Air and Pollution

Troposphere

The layer of the atmosphere closest to Earth's surface, containing 75-80% of the air mass and dominated by nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%).

Ozone Layer

Found in the stratosphere (17-48 km), with high ozone content that protects from UV rays.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases like H2O, CO2, CH4, N2O that trap heat in the troposphere, contributing to global warming.

Primary Pollutants

Substances emitted directly into the air, contrasting with secondary pollutants that form through interactions.

Methane

A potent greenhouse gas sourced from natural wetlands and human activities like livestock.

Acid Deposition

Harmful effect on plant life, soil quality, and aquatic ecosystems caused by pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Climate

Long-term patterns of atmospheric conditions over decades to millennia, influenced by factors like orbit variations and oceanic changes.