Atmospheric System Unit 7 (6.1-6.4 & 8.3)

Atmosphere

Gases form the layers surrounding the Earth, essential for supporting life and regulating climate. It consists of Nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and trace gases like argon and carbon dioxide

Greenhouse gases

Are gases in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases(eg:CFC, HFC), that trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect, influencing global temperatures and climate.

Albedo

The reflectivity of a surface that reflects heat into the atmosphere and space

Differential Heating

• Uneven heating of Earth's surface leads to atmospheric circulation.

• Solar radiation is more intense at the equator and weaker at the poles.

• Hot air goes to poles while cool air sinks and returns to the equator

• Each section is called a cell including Hadley(equator), Polar, and Ferrel(temperate)

Clouds

• Water vapor condensed

• Reflect(Albedo) Infrared Radiation from the sun, cooling earth, especially after temperature increases because more evaporation=more clouds

• Trap Infrared Radiation from the Earth’s surface back into the Earth, increasing/trapping heat and increases temperature

Infrared Radiation/Solar Energy

Energy from sun. 30% of the energy is reflected back into space, and 70% is absorbed by Earth. Earth's surface emits infrared radiation, which is absorbed and re-emitted by greenhouse gases.

Electromagnetic radiation and Wavelength

• Is a form of energy that is propagated through space or matter in the form of waves at speed of light

• Distances between each crests which affects the property that energy can end up as

UV radiation

Is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun that is harmful to plants and animals such as skin aging, wrinkling, skin cancer, worse plant growth, and cell and DNA damage

It is categorized into three main types based on wavelength:UVA , UVB, UVC

Ozone layer

Is a region in Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation, preventing most from reaching the Earth’s surface. And are formed with O₃ molecules.

Ozone depleting substances

• Substances e.g., CFCs, HCFCs, halons, methyl and, bromide that destroy ozone by separating O₃ into O₂

• Natural equilibrium disrupted → depletion

• Ozone depletion allows more UVB to reach Earth → health & ecosystem impacts

• Polar ozone holes appear each spring, especially over Antarctica

Kigali amendment

An international agreement to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluoridecarbons

CFCs and HFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons and Hydrofluorocarbons which are commonly used in refrigerants, aerosols, and air cons and are greenhouse gases and ozone depleters

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty designed to protect the Earth's ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). And actually helped reversed damaged to ozone layer.

Acid Rain

A form of precipitation(rain, snow, fog. dust) that has been acidified(lower pH) by chemical reactions(carbonic, sulferic, and nitric acids) in the atmosphere. Are very toxic and can corrode humans, animals, stone, plants, bodies of water, etc and leaches nutrients such as calcium and magnesium from soil

Lichens

Very small plants that are very sensitive to air pollution

Ozone gas

A gas formed at ground level by a chemical reaction between air pollutants called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides(NOx) in the presence of sunlight. 

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Gases released from solids or liquids that have a high vapor pressure, meaning they evaporate easily at room temperature, found in Paints, varnishes, glues. contributing to air pollution (smog, ground-level ozone, and fine particulate matter)

Climate Change Strategies

Adaptation(Manage Climate change damage), Mitigation(tackle root causes), Nature(focus on environment), Finance(to fund the 3 others)