Nitrogen: Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere. It makes up about 78% of the atmosphere. Nitrogen is essential for the growth of plants, as it is a component of proteins and nucleic acids.
Water vapor: Water vapor is the gaseous form of water. It is present in the Earth's atmosphere in varying amounts, depending on the temperature and humidity. Water vapor is essential for the formation of clouds and precipitation, which are necessary for the growth of plants and animals.
Carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that makes up about 0.04% of the Earth's atmosphere. It is essential for the growth of plants, as it is a component of photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.
Methane: Methane is a greenhouse gas that makes up about 0.0002% of the Earth's atmosphere. It is produced by natural processes, such as the decomposition of organic matter, and by human activities, such as the raising of livestock and the burning of fossil fuels. Methane is important because it contributes to the greenhouse effect, which is the warming of the Earth's atmosphere due to the absorption of infrared radiation by gases in the atmosphere.
Ozone: Ozone is a molecule that is composed of three oxygen atoms. It is present in the Earth's atmosphere in varying amounts, depending on the altitude. Ozone is essential for the protection of life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.