Atmospheric Pollution: History, Science, and Regulation

These flashcards focus on key concepts and terminology related to atmospheric pollution, its meteorological influences, and the effects of pressure systems on air quality.

Thermal Low

A low-pressure system characterized by rising air that can draw in warm, moist surface air from the ocean, often associated with heavy rainfall.

Monsoon

A seasonal wind caused by a strong seasonal variation in temperature between land and water.

Thermal High-Pressure System

A surface high-pressure system formed due to cooling air that increases air density and causes it to descend.

Semipermanent Low-Pressure Systems

Pressure systems associated with cloudy skies, stormy weather, and fast surface winds.

Adiabatic Expansion

Expansion of air due to a decrease in air pressure as it rises through the atmosphere, resulting in a cooling effect.

Environmental Lapse Rate

The actual change in air temperature with increasing altitude in the environment surrounding an air parcel.

Buoyant Air

Air that rises due to being warmer and less dense than the surrounding air.

Temperature Inversion

A meteorological phenomenon where temperature increases with altitude, trapping pollutants near the surface.

Santa Ana Winds

Strong winds from the high-pressure system that compress and warm as they flow down the Rocky Mountains, often bringing dust and pollution to southern California.

Transboundary Air Pollution

Pollution that crosses political boundaries, often affecting areas far from the original source.

Photochemical Smog

Air pollution that results from the reaction of sunlight with pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Mixing Depth

The height to which pollutants released from the surface mix, affected by ground temperatures and atmospheric conditions.

Stable Air

Air that resists vertical movement, often leading to pollutant accumulation at lower altitudes.

Forced Convection

Pollutant dispersion caused by pressure systems that force air to rise or fall.

Free Convection

Buoyant rising of air due to temperature differentials, which can lead to the upward movement of pollutants.

Wet Adiabatic Lapse Rate

The rate of temperature change during adiabatic expansion when condensation occurs, typically less than the dry adiabatic lapse rate due to latent heat release.

Cloud Cover

The presence of clouds in the atmosphere, which can reduce UV radiation and influence pollutant levels.