Smog & Thermal Inversion

A series of vocabulary flashcards outlining key concepts related to industrial and photochemical smog.

Industrial Smog

Also known as 'grey smog', it is associated with the burning of oil or coal and involves the release of CO, CO2, and sulfuric acid during combustion.

Photochemical Smog

Referred to as 'brown smog', it forms when ozone (O3) combines with peroxyacetyl nitrates (PANs) and other volatile organic compounds.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Hydrocarbons that evaporate easily and contribute to photochemical smog, sourced from gasoline, formaldehyde, cleaning fluids, and more.

Photochemical Oxidants

Substances that remove electrons from other substances, involved in the formation of photochemical smog from elements like NO and VOCs.

Ozone (O3)

A molecule formed when nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is broken down by sunlight, and a free oxygen atom binds with O2; contributes to air pollution and smog.

NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide)

A photochemical smog precursor that breaks down in sunlight to produce nitric oxide (NO) and free oxygen (O), eventually leading to ozone formation.

Smog Formation Conditions

Factors such as sunlight, warmth, and vehicle exhaust contribute to the formation of photochemical smog.

Urban Heat Island Effect

Increased temperatures in urban areas due to low albedo surfaces like blacktop and higher emissions from traffic and industrial activities.

Health Impacts of Ozone (O3)

Ozone damages plant stomata and irritates human respiratory tracts, worsening conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

Reduction Strategies for Smog

Methods such as carpooling, using public transport, and increasing renewable energy production can help decrease NO2 and VOC emissions.

Thermal Inversion

A weather phenomenon where a layer of warm air traps cooler air and pollutants near the ground, leading to increased smog and deteriorated air quality.