ATMOSPHERIC

RESOURCES
Atmospheric resources are
resources found in the
atmosphere which are of benefit
to man, animals, and plants.
These resources include wind,
water, sunlight, and gases.
Types of atmospheric
resources :
(i) Atmospheric gases: oxygen,
nitrogen, carbon dioxide, water
vapour, ozone layer, neon,
 Oxygen
Importance:


q Oxygen is used by plants and animals

for respiration
q It also supports burning of materials
(i.e. combustion)
q Oxygen supports animal life
q Oxygen combines with water vapour
for chemical weathering
q Oxygen is also used for industrial
purposes


Carbon Dioxide
importance:

q It is required by plants for

photosynthesis
q Carbon dioxide combines with water to
produce weathering ( carbonation)
q Green plants take in carbon dioxide
q Carbon dioxide absorbs heat to control
atmosphere temperature in the carbon
Nitrogen
Importance:


q Nitrogen is required by plants for

the manufacturing of proteins
q It combines with water to provide
food for plant growth
q Nitrogen in soil can be converted
to nitrate in the soil
q Nitrogen gas is used in electrical
industry


 Ozone
Importance:


q It acts as a blanket to the earth

q It protects the earth from the
ultra-violet rays
q It protects the earth and its
living things from the effects of
the ultra-violet rays such as skin
irritation and cancer.
Water Vapour
Importance:


q It is important for rain

formation
q The resultant rain is used by
plants and animals in the
process of chemical
weathering
q Water vapour moderates
atmospheric temperature


Rain
Importance:

q It provides water for human

consumption
q It provides water for
agriculture
q It reduces temperature and
feeds rivers with water
Sunlight/Solar energy
Importance:


q It provides solar energy for drying

q It is used for heating, cooking, and
cooling processes
q It is used for generating electricity
q It is required by plants for
photosynthesis
q It is a source of vitamin D
q It is useful in food chain
q It is useful for desalination
 Wind
Importance:


q Wind can be harnessed for

windmills and used for pumping
water
q It aids drying
q It is used in meteorological studies
q It aids sailing of ships and aviation
q It is useful for sporting e.g.
yachting
q It is used for dispersal of seeds
 Ways in which Human
Activities Affect the
Composition of the
Atmosphere
q Emission of carbon dioxide through
burning fossil fuels such as coal,
petrol, and gas
q Deforestation
q Use of chemical, biological, and
nuclear warfare
q Release of toxic waste
q Bush burning
q Pollutants emitted from industrial
activities
q Pollutants emitted from mining and
construction works