ABSTRACT
The atmosphere plays a major role in global processes supporting life on Earth. The interaction of photosynthesis and respiration with carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere maintains the global living system. However, the composition of the atmosphere has changed over geological time and continues to change. The atmosphere also plays an important physical role as a heat reservoir. Heat absorbed by the atmosphere during daylight hours is released overnight, helping to maintain an equitable temperature. Without the atmosphere, the Earth’s surface temperature would rise very high when bathed in sunlight, but fall very low during darkness.
