The Thin Veil

Oxygen

Some simple creatures can live without it. The chemical reactions that support life are many times more efficient with oxygen available than without it. Paradoxically, overexposure to oxygen can be fatal to most living cells. For example, humans cannot tolerate free oxygen in their blood vessels - special cells transport oxygen from the lungs to where it is needed. Different living things have come up with different solutions.

See: The Heart - An Online Exploration

I really don't know clouds at all

Clouds are formed when water vapour in the air condenses. Clouds reflect the sun's energy but they also help keep the heat in.

Rain is naturally slightly acidic, due to carbon dioxide combining with water vapour. Pollutants such as sulphur dioxide or nitrous oxide can greatly increase the acidity of rain. Some lakes , including northern lakes in the Canadian Shield, have become acidic as a result.

Cloud Links

Greenhouse Gases

So-called fossil fuels such as oil and gas store up the sun's energy as captured by ancient plants. When they burn, gases such as carbon dioxide are returned to the atmosphere, in a reversal of photosynthesis. This can result in more heat being retained.

The atmosphere also helps to screen out harmful solar radiation.

A Sea of Air

Like the oceans, there are currents in the atmosphere. The basic driving principle is "hotter air rises" and "colder air sinks". However, the flow of air around the earth is complex and not well understood.

Over the centuries, wind patterns have had a major influence over human trade and travel. The jet streams, fast-moving rivers of air high in the atmosphere, can shape medium to long-term trends.

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Animated gif courtesy of Animation Factory