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The Advantages of the Earth's Gases in the Atmosphere

The atmosphere that surrounds the planet is a mixture of gases, each with its own advantage to the earth. The earth's atmosphere is primarily composed of 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen and 1 percent of argon. A variety of other gases such as carbon dioxide and trace amounts of neon, helium, methane and krypton found in the ozone (green house gases) make up the balance and benefit life on earth.

Atmospheric Gases
- The atmosphere is made up of four layers: the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere and thermosphere. These layers contain gasses that are advantageous to the earth surface by insulating it from extreme temperatures. Heat is contained inside the atmosphere and blocks the sun's damaging ultraviolet radiation.
Carbon Dioxide and Methane
- The earth's temperature is created by the sun. Thirty percent of sunlight is reflected back into space by bright surfaces such as the clouds and ice, and the remaining 70 percent is absorbed by land, ocean and the atmosphere. Heat from the earth's surface is absorbed by water vapor and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.
  
  Molecules from the natural greenhouse gases radiate back towards the earth, heating the lower atmosphere. Carbon dioxide and methane are beneficial gases that keep the earth's surface warm enough for human habitation, according to NASA.
Ozone Gases
- The ozone layer is found in the stratosphere, which is 10 to 30 miles above sea level. It absorbs 97 to 99 percent of the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays, making it safe for humans to live on earth. Ozone is created when solar energy propels oxygen molecules (O2) into the earth's atmosphere, splitting it into two atoms. One of the stray oxygen atoms then attaches to a complete O2 molecule, creating ozone (O3). The process of creating O3 gases keeps the earth safe from too much ultraviolet radiation, which may cause sunburn, skin cancer and eye problems.
Oxygen (O2)
- Oxygen (O2) is colorless, odorless, tasteless and slightly heavier than air. The ozone (O3) requires three atoms of oxygen molecules while humans require two atoms of regular oxygen (O2). Oxygen makes up 21 percent of the earth's atmosphere, which supports life and comprises 60 percent of the human body. Oxygen is also abundant in the oceans and can be found in rocks and minerals.
  
  Oxygen is nonflammable yet enhances combustion and allows materials that are flammable to burn more forcefully. Oxygen is also used in many industrial applications due to its combustion-supporting properties.

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