Comprehensive Climate and Atmospheric Pollution: Key Concepts and Effects

Weather

Short-term conditions of temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind, and atmospheric pressure in a localized area.

Climate

Long-term average weather patterns in a region over decades to centuries.

Rain Shadow Effect

Dry region on the leeward side of a mountain due to moisture raining out on the windward side.

Troposphere

Lowest atmospheric layer where weather occurs and greenhouse gases accumulate.

Stratosphere

Atmospheric layer above the troposphere containing the UV-protective ozone layer.

Coriolis Effect

Deflection of moving air and water due to Earth's rotation, causing curved wind patterns.

Gyre

Large circular ocean current patterns that redistribute heat across the oceans.

Upwelling

Upward movement of cold, nutrient-rich water that increases marine productivity.

ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation)

Reversal of trade winds and ocean currents in the Pacific that disrupts global climate.

ITCZ

Equatorial region where trade winds converge, causing heavy rainfall and storms.

Air Pollution

Introduction of harmful substances into the atmosphere affecting health or environment.

Acid Deposition

Acidic particles or precipitation formed when NOx and SO₂ react in the atmosphere.

Particulate Matter (PM)

Solid or liquid particles suspended in air that damage respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Photochemical Smog

Brown smog formed when sunlight reacts with NOx and VOCs to produce ozone.

Industrial Smog

Gray smog from burning coal containing sulfur compounds and particulates.

VOCs

Organic chemicals that evaporate easily and react to form ozone and smog.

Primary Pollutants

Pollutants directly emitted from a source into the atmosphere.

Secondary Pollutants

Pollutants formed from chemical reactions of primary pollutants in the atmosphere.

Thermal Inversion

Warm air layer traps cooler air beneath, preventing pollutants from dispersing.

Acid Rain

Precipitation with low pH resulting from acid deposition.

Ocean Acidification

Decrease in ocean pH due to CO₂ absorption forming carbonic acid.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)

From coal burning; causes respiratory irritation and acid deposition.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

From vehicle and combustion emissions; form ozone, smog, and acid deposition.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

From incomplete combustion; binds to hemoglobin and reduces oxygen delivery.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

Greenhouse gas driving climate change and ocean acidification.

Photochemical Oxidants

Reactive compounds (e.g., ozone) formed from NOx and VOCs under sunlight.

PM

Tiny airborne particles that impair lung and cardiovascular function.

Lead (Pb)

Neurotoxin from old fuels and paints that impairs brain development.

Ozone (O₃)

Harmful in troposphere as smog; beneficial in stratosphere as UV shield.

VOC's

Organic vapors from gasoline, solvents, vegetation; contribute to ozone formation.

Mercury (Hg)

From coal combustion; bioaccumulates in fish as methylmercury and damages nervous system.

Asbestos

Heat-resistant fibers that cause lung cancer and asbestosis when inhaled.

Radon

Radioactive gas from soil that causes lung cancer when inhaled indoors.

Sick Building Syndrome

Health symptoms caused by indoor pollutants in poorly ventilated buildings.

Indoor Air Pollution (Developing Nations)

Mainly from biomass/wood combustion for cooking causing respiratory illness.

Indoor Air Pollution (Developed Nations)

From chemicals, building materials, radon, and low ventilation.

Stratospheric vs Tropospheric Ozone

Stratospheric ozone protects from UV; tropospheric ozone is a pollutant in smog.

Health Effects of Air Pollutants

Includes asthma, cancer, cardiovascular issues, neurotoxicity, and respiratory irritation.

Pollution Reduction Measures

Includes catalytic converters, scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, and environmental laws.

Primary to Secondary Pollutant Formation

Primary emissions react with sunlight/water/oxygen to form new harmful chemicals.

Acid Deposition Formation

NOx and SO₂ react with water and oxygen to form nitric and sulfuric acids.

Pollutants Causing Acid Deposition

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂).

Harms of Acid Deposition

Acidifies soil, depletes nutrients, harms aquatic organisms, and damages buildings.

Photochemical Smog Formation

Sunlight + NOx + VOCs → ozone and secondary oxidants.

ENSO Mechanism

Trade winds weaken, warm water moves east, and upwelling decreases.

ENSO Global Impacts

Causes flooding in Americas, drought in Australia/SE Asia, and reduced fisheries.

Ocean & Wind Currents Influence Climate

Redistribute heat and moisture across Earth, shaping weather patterns.

Convection Currents

Rising warm air and sinking cool air drive global wind and ocean circulation.

Unequal Heating of Earth

Caused by tilt, shape, and albedo differences leading to climate variation.

Thermohaline Circulation

Density-driven mixing of warm surface and cold salty deep water.

Factors Affecting Climate

Includes latitude, proximity to water, altitude, topography, and ocean/wind currents.

Urban Heat Island Effect

Cities are warmer due to heat-absorbing surfaces; increases energy use and heat stress.

Urban Heat Island Solutions

Add vegetation, reflective roofs, and improved urban design.

Thermal Inversion Effects

Traps pollutants leading to smog episodes and respiratory problems.

Thermal Inversion Locations

Common in valleys and coastal areas where warm air layers persist.