Through the dynamics that form the atmosphere of the planet, trees and other green plants directly support life on Earth. Without them, we would not exist.
The atmosphere in which we live is a key component of the ecosphere. Earth is the only planet in the solar system to have a breathable atmosphere. Our lives are dependant on these gases. While most of the atmosphere is nitrogen, all animals breath in the oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. The green plants do the reverse- they gather the carbon dioxide and provide the oxygen. In the last 150 years, humans have altered this balance by burning the ancient deposits of fossil fuels found in the ground, and simultaneously deforesting the planet. The Earth’s atmosphere is now increasing in carbon dioxide, and the sun’s heat is now trapped by this greenhouse gas. The future will be hotter, and the weather will be unpredictable. The climate is changing, with drastic consequences for humanity and the biosphere.
The water vapour which evaporates from the oceans, lakes, and landscapes accumulates in the beautiful clouds, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In the cities, unfortunately, human pollution has brought new compounds into the air. These clouds, and these trees, can help remind us of the critical linkages between the water, air, earth, and ecology of the planet Earth.
From Wikipedia:The atmosphere of Earth is a layer of gases surrounding the planet Earth that is retained by Earth’s gravity. The atmosphere protects life on Earth by absorbing ultraviolet solar radiation, warming the surface through heat retention (greenhouse effect), and reducing temperature extremes between day and night (the diurnal temperature variation).
Atmospheric stratification describes the structure of the atmosphere, dividing it into distinct layers, each with specific characteristics such as temperature or composition. The atmosphere has a mass of about 51018 kg, three quarters of which is within about 11 km (6.8 mi; 36,000 ft) of the surface. The atmosphere becomes thinner and thinner with increasing altitude, with no definite boundary between the atmosphere and outer space. An altitude of 120 km (75 mi) is where atmospheric effects become noticeable during atmospheric reentry of spacecraft. The Krmn line, at 100 km (62 mi), also is often regarded as the boundary between atmosphere and outer space.
Air is the name given to atmosphere used in breathing and photosynthesis. Dry air contains roughly (by volume) 78.09% nitrogen, 20.95% oxygen, 0.93% argon, 0.039% carbon dioxide, and small amounts of other gases. Air also contains a variable amount of water vapor, on average around 1%. While air content and atmospheric pressure vary at different layers, air suitable for the survival of terrestrial plants and terrestrial animals is currently only known to be found in Earth’s troposphere and artificial atmospheres.
