ENVR101 L26

What is atmospheric pollution?

The presence of harmful substances in the Earth's atmosphere.

What are the sources of atmospheric pollution?

Industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and burning of fossil fuels.

How does atmospheric pollution impact the environment?

It contributes to global warming, acid rain, and depletion of the ozone layer.

What are the effects of atmospheric pollution on human health?

Respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and cancer.

What is the relationship between density and altitude?

Density decreases with increasing altitude.

What happens to a parcel of air as it rises?

It expands.

What is the result of the expansion of an air mass?

It cools down.

How does the presence of water vapor affect the rate of cooling of an air mass?

The rate of cooling is less if water vapor starts condensing.

What is the dry adiabatic lapse rate?

9.8 °C per 1000m.

what does the dry adiabatic lapse rate mean?

refers to the rate at which the temperature of a parcel of dry air changes as it rises or descends in the atmosphere without exchanging heat with its surroundings. If a parcel of dry air ascends in the atmosphere without exchanging heat with its surroundings, its temperature will decrease by approximately 9.8°C for every kilometre it rises and vice versa.

What is the moist adiabatic lapse rate dependent on?

Temperature.

What is the environmental lapse rate?

The environmental lapse rate refers to the actual rate at which the temperature of the atmosphere changes with altitude under specific environmental conditions, such as weather patterns and geographic location.

What does air stability depend on?

Temperature profile

What determines whether air masses will rise or fall?

Temperature.

What conditions lead to the development of inversion?

Significant cooling close to ground level and warmer air above.

What are the gases associated with air pollution?

Photochemical smog and carbon dioxide.

What are the types of particulates found in air pollution?

Smoke, small unburned particles, ash, silt, dust, and photochemical smog.

What are PM10 and PM2.5?

they are measurements for particulate matter of 10 and 2.5 microns, with the latter considered very dangerous for health.

Why is PM2.5 considered very dangerous for health?

Because 2.5 μm material can get into your lungs.

What was the primary source of air pollution in Christchurch before the earthquake?

Coal burning and poor quality wood burners.

When was the ban set for coal and wood fires in Christchurch?

in 2001 it was set for 2020, this was fast tracked due to the earthquakes as they destroyed most domestic fire places. Regulations were put in eliminating coal fires and less efficient wood burners.

When were open fires banned in Christchurch?

2005

How many people die prematurely each year in China due to outdoor air pollution?

Between 350,000 and 500,000.

When did China declare war on air pollution?

March 5th, 2014.

How far can pollution travel?

thousands of kilometers.

What is the term used for the transport of Asian pollution plumes across the Pacific?

Trans-Pacific transport.

what are plumes in the context of pollution?

it refers to concentrated masses or clouds of pollutants, such as gases, aerosols, or particulate matter, that are emitted into the atmosphere. These pollutants can be carried over long distances by atmospheric circulation patterns, forming elongated or dispersed trails as they travel.

What does regional and global pollution depend on?

wind

What causes wind?

Differences in air pressure.

Why is New Zealand windy?

Due to its location in the path of the Roaring Forties, a band of strong westerly winds.

What factor affects the ability of an air mass to hold water vapor?

Increasing temperature.

How does the ability of warm air masses to hold water compare to cold air masses?

Warm air masses can hold more water than cold air masses.

Why is the ability of the atmosphere to hold moisture important?

Because it affects the amount of water vapor the air can hold.