Unit 7: Air Pollution

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to air pollution, its sources, effects, and regulatory measures.

Atmospheric Composition

The atmosphere consists of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), argon (0.93%), and carbon dioxide (0.04%).

Coriolis Effect

An effect that deflects moving objects to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere due to Earth's rotation.

Primary Pollutant

A pollutant that is emitted directly from a source, such as carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.

Secondary Pollutant

A pollutant that forms when primary pollutants react in the atmosphere, such as ozone.

El Niño

A weather phenomenon characterized by warm sea surface temperatures in the eastern-central Pacific, leading to wetter conditions in the U.S. Gulf and Florida.

La Niña

A weather phenomenon characterized by cooler sea surface temperatures in the eastern-central Pacific, causing drier conditions in the Southeast U.S. and wetter in the Northwest.

Thermal Inversion

A layer of cool air occurs beneath warm air, trapping pollutants when vertical mixing is prevented.

Acid Deposition

The deposit of acids or acid-forming pollutants from the atmosphere onto the Earth's surface.

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty to phase out substances that deplete the ozone layer, specifically CFCs, by reducing their production and consumption.

Indoor Air Pollution

Pollution that occurs indoors from sources such as combustion, building materials, and household products, leading to worse air quality than outdoors.

Smog

A type of air pollution that results from a combination of smoke and fog, often exacerbated by temperature inversions.

Air Pollutants

Substances in the air that can cause harm to humans and the environment, which can be natural or anthropogenic.

Particulate Matter

A mixture of tiny solid particles and liquid droplets in the air, which can affect human health and environmental conditions.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Organic chemicals that can evaporate into the air, contributing to air pollution and health issues.

Carbon Offsets

Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions used to compensate for emissions produced elsewhere.

Electrostatic Precipitator

A device used in industrial processes to remove particulates from exhaust gases.

Catalytic Converter

A device in car engines that converts harmful exhaust gases into less harmful emissions through chemical reactions.

Urban Heat Islands

Urban areas that experience significantly warmer temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities.