IBES&S Chapter 6 - intro to our atmosphere

Stratosphere

The second layer of the atmosphere, important for containing ozone that protects life from UV radiation.

Troposphere

The lowest layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs and most of the Earth's air is found.

Atmosphere Composition

The two main gases in Earth's atmosphere are approximately 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living factors that influence climate, primarily temperature and precipitation.

Ancient Atmosphere Measurement

Ancient gases can be measured via trapped air bubbles in ice and through temperature records.

Greenhouse Effect

A natural phenomenon essential for maintaining Earth's temperature by trapping heat within the atmosphere.

Ozone Formation

Ozone is created when oxygen molecules (O2) are split by UV light, allowing oxygen atoms to combine with oxygen molecules.

Ozone Depletion

CFCs release chlorine, which reacts with ozone, resulting in its destruction through a chain reaction.

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty aimed at phasing out substances that deplete the ozone layer.

Primary Pollutants

Directly emitted pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide.

Secondary Pollutants

Pollutants that form in the atmosphere from chemical reactions, such as ozone and particulate matter.

Photochemical Smog

A type of air pollution resulting from the reaction of sunlight with pollutants such as NO2 and ozone.

pH of Normal Rain

Normal rain has a pH of about 5.6, indicating a slightly acidic nature.

Acid Deposition

A secondary pollutant formed from primary pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Effects of Acid Deposition

Can weaken tree growth, decrease aquatic pH, and lead to soil nutrient leaching.

Aluminum Ion Relation

Acid deposition increases aluminum solubility in soils, harmful to aquatic life.

Forests and Acid Deposition

Acid rain leads to yellowing leaves, reduced growth, and loss of nutrients.

CFCs as Ozone Depleting Substances

Chlorofluorocarbons that break down ozone molecules, causing depletion.

Thermal Inversion

A weather phenomenon that traps pollution at ground level, worsening air quality.

Liming Lakes

A temporary method to neutralize lake acidity, though it doesn't address the cause.

Clean Air Act

US legislation aimed at regulating air pollution and reducing sulfur emissions from power plants.