Chemistry of the Atmosphere and Environmental Cycles

Atmospheric Cycle

Protective blanket nurturing life on Earth.

Nitrogen Cycle

Biogeochemical cycle converting nitrogen forms.

Essential Nutrient

Nitrogen is crucial for sustaining life.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins and nucleic acids.

Oxygen Cycle

Movement of oxygen through various Earth systems.

Photosynthesis

Regenerates molecular oxygen from carbon dioxide.

Troposphere

Lowest atmospheric layer with weather phenomena.

Stratosphere

Contains ozone layer protecting from UV radiation.

Mesosphere

Coldest layer where meteors burn up.

Kármán Line

Boundary between atmosphere and outer space.

Thermosphere

Absorbs UV radiation; hottest atmospheric layer.

Exosphere

Uppermost layer where atoms escape into space.

Air Pollution

Contamination affecting air quality and health.

Oxides of Carbon

Carbon dioxide contributes to climate change.

Oxides of Nitrogen

Includes nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide pollutants.

Photochemical Smog

Brown haze formed from nitrogen oxides and sunlight.

Particulate Matter

Tiny particles affecting air quality and health.

Cloud Condensation Nuclei

Particles enabling cloud and precipitation formation.

Venturi Scrubbers

Remove particulate matter from industrial exhaust.

Ionizing Wet Scrubber

Removes gases and particulates from airstreams.

Inorganic Fumes

Primary pollutants including chromic acid and ammonia.

Nitric Acid

Converted to nitrate salts for plant uptake.

Nitrate Salts

Nutrients absorbed by plants for growth.

Ozone Layer

Protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Temperature Variation

Layers of atmosphere defined by temperature changes.

Air Mass

Large body of air with uniform temperature.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns.

UV Radiation

Harmful rays from the sun absorbed by ozone.

Thermal Inversion

Temperature increase with altitude, trapping pollutants.