Nitrogen (N2) is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, including the troposphere. This cartoon also depicts several other tropospheric gases, including oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor (H2O), methane (CH4), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO).
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Image courtesy UCAR, modified by Windows to the Universe staff (Randy Russell).

Chemical Composition of Earth's Atmosphere

Earth's atmosphere consists of about 78% nitrogen, 20% oxygen, and a mixture of small amounts of numerous other ingredients. Some of the minor constituents do, however, have big impacts. For example, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane exert a large influence on the temperature of our planet.

The chemical composition of air varies across the different layers of Earth's atmosphere.

The oceans and the biosphere exchange vast quantities of gases with the atmosphere's lowest layer. The Carbon and Nitrogen Cycles play key roles in these processes.

The activities of humans play an increasingly important role in atmospheric chemistry. Fossil fuel burning generates sulfur oxides, which create sulfuric acid - a component of acid rain. Exhaust gases from cars and trucks produce nitrogen oxides, which contribute to the formation of smog and of nitric acid - another component of acid rain.

Last modified July 13, 2009 by Randy Russell.

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