Major Gases:
* Nitrogen (N2): Makes up about 78% of the atmosphere. It is relatively inert and doesn't play a major role in weather or climate.
* Oxygen (O2): Makes up about 21% of the atmosphere. Essential for life on Earth, as it is used in respiration by plants and animals.
* Argon (Ar): Makes up about 0.93% of the atmosphere. Another inert gas.
Minor Gases:
* Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A greenhouse gas, meaning it traps heat in the atmosphere. Its concentration has been increasing due to human activities, contributing to climate change.
* Neon (Ne), Helium (He), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe): These are all noble gases, present in very small amounts.
* Ozone (O3): A molecule with three oxygen atoms. Found in the stratosphere, it absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
* Water Vapor (H2O): The amount of water vapor varies greatly depending on location and weather conditions. It plays a crucial role in the water cycle and weather patterns.
Trace Gases:
* Methane (CH4): A powerful greenhouse gas.
* Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Another potent greenhouse gas.
* Sulphur Dioxide (SO2): A gas that can contribute to acid rain.
* Various other gases: Present in extremely small amounts, often released by human activities or natural processes.
It's important to note that the composition of the atmosphere can vary slightly depending on location, altitude, and time of day. The concentrations of gases like carbon dioxide and water vapor can change significantly over time.
