Environmental Science: Atmosphere and Air Pollution

Flashcards covering key concepts in Environmental Science regarding the atmosphere, layers of the atmosphere, air pollution, and the carbon cycle.

Atmosphere

Layer of gases that surrounds a planet, supporting life.

Relative Humidity

The amount of water vapor in the air compared to the maximum amount it could hold, expressed as a percentage.

Troposphere

The lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere where weather occurs and contains most of the atmosphere's mass.

Stratosphere

Layer above the troposphere containing the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful UV radiation.

Mesosphere

Coldest layer of the atmosphere, where meteors burn up.

Thermosphere

Layer above the mesosphere with dramatically increasing temperatures and where the International Space Station orbits.

Exosphere

Outermost layer of the atmosphere that gradually fades into outer space.

Air Pollution

The presence of substances in the air that damage human health or the environment.

Primary Pollutants

Substances released directly into the air, such as carbon monoxide.

Secondary Pollutants

Pollutants formed in the air when primary pollutants react with other substances, like ozone.

Clean Air Act

U.S. legislation passed in 1970 to reduce air pollution by setting limits on emissions.

Smog

A harmful mix of air pollutants including smoke and fog, commonly caused by burning fossil fuels.

Acid Rain

Rain created when gases from burning fossil fuels mix with water in the air, lowering the pH.

Biogeochemical Cycles

The movement of elements and water between the environment and living organisms.

Producers

Organisms that take in CO2 during photosynthesis and act as carbon sinks.

Consumers

Organisms that obtain carbon by eating plants or other animals.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead matter and release carbon back into the soil or air.