GAS | SOURCE(S) | SINK(S) |
|---|---|---|
Nitrogen (N2) | Decaying and burning organic matter, volcanic eruptions, weathering of rocks | Enters soil and water with rain and biological activity |
Oxygen (O2) | Photosynthesis | Decomposition and weathering of rocks absorb O2 from the atmosphere |
Water vapor (H2O) | Evaporation from oceans, plant photosynthesis, volcanic eruptions | Condensation and deposition convert H2O to liquid and solid (ice) states |
Carbon dioxide (CO2) | Volcanic eruptions, decay of living matter, respiration, humans’ burning of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy | Plants, oceans, and chemical reactions with rocks absorb CO2 |
Methane (CH4) | Anaerobic (oxyge | Breakdown by ultraviolet radiation from the Sun |
Nitrous oxide (N2O) | Soil bacterial processes, human activities | Breakdown by ultraviolet radiation from the Sun |
Ozone (O3) | Ultraviolet radiation, burning fossil fuels | Breakdown by ultraviolet radiation from the Sun |
CFCs and HFCs | Anthropogenic | Breakdown by ultraviolet radiation from the Sun |