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     Two unique factors that support life on earth are – the earth’s surface conditions and the atmosphere. In the previous article we briefly considered some of the surface conditions which reflect marvelous design.  Now we will look at a few atmospheric conditions that make the earth unlike any other planet - one that sustains life.
     The earth’s atmosphere is made up primarily of four gases (Nitrogen - 78%, Oxygen 21%, Argon less than 1% and carbon dioxide -.03%). Nitrogen and Argon are relatively inactive gases, thus difficult to combine with other gases or to form material compounds.  This is a safeguard, e.g. if nitrogen could readily combine with oxygen, the oceans would be filled with nitric acid.  On the other hand, oxygen and carbon dioxide are reactive with other gases, organic compounds and even rocks, thereby supporting life.
     The amount of oxygen in our air is at the optimum level.  If we had more oxygen, combustion would occur more energetically, rocks and metals would oxidize faster, and life itself would be adversely affected.  If there was less oxygen, breathing would be more difficult and there would be less ozone in the upper atmosphere to shield the earth’s surface from ultraviolet rays.  Oxygen is vital to human and animal life, but carbon dioxide is the essential atmospheric element for plants.
     Carbon dioxide makes up only 3/100 of 1% of the atmosphere is also vital to our existence.  If there was less carbon dioxide, plant life would decrease (thus less food for animals and humans), oceans would become more acidic and the climate colder (carbon dioxide and water vapor affects the incoming and outgoing heat of the earth).  Although more carbon dioxide would cause plant life to flourish, just an increase to 15/100 of 1% would increase the earth’s temperature by 10s of degrees.  That would accelerate the weathering of the continents and cause an alkali condition in the oceans that would be unfavorable for life.  In contrast the current level of carbon dioxide mixes with water to form an acid which dissolves rocks, thus adding bicarbonate to the ocean which reduces acidity.
     The total density or pressure of our atmosphere is ideal to support life.  The density acts as an insulator protecting the earth from the coldness of space.  If the earth had a greater diameter, holding a more dense atmosphere, the insulating effect would produce a much warmer climate.  If the earth had a smaller diameter, holding a less dense atmosphere, the climate would be colder.
     Our atmosphere has both the correct composition and density to support life.  How does one explain that the earth, with an atmosphere of the right density in relation to its size, has the right temperatures to support life?  Further, if the earth came from the same Big Bang gases as the other planets why does only the earth have such an intricate balance to support life?  Chance or design?  A reasonable person concludes this is by design, thus there must be a marvelous intelligent designer - maker!

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