APES UNIT 9 STUDY GUIDE

HCFCs

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons, used as a replacement for CFCs, with 90-95% less ozone depletion potential.

CFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons, man-made compounds primarily responsible for ozone depletion.

Ozone Layer

A region of the Earth's stratosphere with high ozone concentration, protecting life by absorbing UV radiation.

Ozone Depletion

The reduction of the ozone layer caused by substances like CFCs and HCFCs.

Montreal Protocol

An international agreement established in 1987 to phase out ozone-depleting substances.

Global Warming Potential (GWP)

A measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas retains in the atmosphere compared to CO₂.

Methane (CH₄) GWP

Approximately 28-36 times that of CO₂ over 100 years, emitted from agricultural practices and landfills.

Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) GWP

About 298 times that of CO₂, released from agricultural and industrial activities.

Ocean Acidification

A process reducing carbonate ions in the ocean, making it difficult for coral reefs to build their skeletons.

Relation of Metabolism in Marine Species + Dissolved Oxygen

Metabolism increases with warmer ocean temperatures, while oxygen solubility decreases.

Infrared Light (IR)

Primarily responsible for warming the Earth's atmosphere but does not directly harm biological tissues.

Ultraviolet Light (UV)

Causes DNA damage in living organisms and is a key factor in ozone layer depletion.

Human Impact on Ozone Layer

Significant ozone loss primarily due to the increased use of CFCs during the 20th century.

Importance of GWP

Essential for climate change policies as it helps evaluate greenhouse gases' impacts and prioritize reduction actions.