(a) Explain the term atmospheric resources (b) With specific examples, outline any six uses of atmospheric resource
Explanation
(a) Atmospheric resources: Are those elements such as wind, water, sunlight and gases which are of benefit to man, animals and plants (b) Specific Examples (1) Oxygen: (i) Man breathes in oxygen (ii) Oxygen combines with water vapour (oxidation) for chemical weathering (iii) Supports animal life (iv) Supports combustion (v) For industrial purposes (2) Carbon dioxide: (i) Green plants take in carbon dioxide (ii) Carbon dioxide and sunlight aid photosynthesis (iii) Absorbs heat to control atmospheric temperature (iv) Carbon dioxide combines with water to produce chemical weathering (3) Nitrogen: (i) Nitrogen in the atmosphere can be converted to nitrate in the soil (ii) Combines with water to produce food for plants (iii) May be used in electrical industries (4) Water Vapour: (i) Water vapour moderates atmospheric temperature (ii) Important for rain formation (iii) Resultant rain used by plants and animals effectively in the process of chemical weathering (5) Sunlight: (i) Provision of vitamin D (ii) Important for drying (iii) For photosynthesis (iv) For solar energy (6) Wind: (i) For drying (ii) For sporting (yatching) (iii) For winnowing (iv) For sailing (7) Ozone: Protects the earth from ultra-violet rays of the sun.