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What is the atmosphere composed of?
The atmosphere is mainly composed of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and smaller amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, and other gases.
What are greenhouse gases?
Greenhouse gases are gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
What is the role of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect and climate change.
What is the water cycle?
The water cycle is the continuous movement of water between the earth's surface and the atmosphere through processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
What is acid rain?
Acid rain is rain that has been made acidic by pollutants in the atmosphere, particularly sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
How do humans contribute to air pollution?
Humans contribute to air pollution through industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, burning fossil fuels, and agricultural practices.
What is ozone and its function in the atmosphere?
Ozone is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms (O3) that absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
What is the significance of the ozone layer?
The ozone layer protects living organisms by absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
What effects does increased carbon dioxide have on the environment?
Increased carbon dioxide levels can lead to global warming, climate change, and ocean acidification.
How is water treated for drinking?
Drinking water is treated through processes such as filtration, chlorination, and sometimes reverse osmosis to remove impurities.
What is the pH scale?
The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is, ranging from 0 (acidic) to 14 (basic), with 7 being neutral.
What is purification of water?
Water purification is the process of removing contaminants to make water safe for drinking and use.
What are the main sources of freshwater?
The main sources of freshwater are surface water (rivers, lakes) and groundwater (aquifers).
Define the term 'hydrosphere'.
The hydrosphere encompasses all water found on, under, and above the Earth's surface.
What is desalination?
Desalination is the process of removing salt from seawater to produce freshwater.
What is the role of plants in the water cycle?
Plants play a role in the water cycle through transpiration, releasing water vapor into the atmosphere.
What are particulate matter?
Particulate matter consists of tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, which can affect health and the environment.
How does temperature affect solubility in water?
Generally, solubility of solids increases with temperature, while the solubility of gases generally decreases.
What is the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is the warming of the Earth due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
What is the significance of water in chemical reactions?
Water acts as a solvent and a reactant in many chemical reactions, facilitating interactions among substances.
What is a pollutant?
A pollutant is a substance that contaminates the environment, causing harm to human health and ecosystems.
Define 'sustainable development'.
Sustainable development is the organization of society in a way that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
What is the composition of pure water?
Pure water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H2O).
What is groundwater?
Groundwater is water that is stored underground in aquifers, supplying wells and springs.
What is water scarcity?
Water scarcity refers to the lack of sufficient available fresh water resources to meet the demands of water usage.
What is the process of condensation?
Condensation is the process where water vapor cools and turns into liquid water, forming clouds.
What is evaporation?
Evaporation is the process where liquid water is converted into vapor and enters the atmosphere.
What is the impact of deforestation on the atmosphere?
Deforestation increases carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and reduces oxygen production.
How is carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere?
Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, and oceans absorb a significant amount as well.
What are the main causes of climate change?
The main causes of climate change include greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities.
What is the carbon cycle?
The carbon cycle is the process through which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms.
What is water quality?
Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water, indicating its suitability for specific uses.
How can we reduce air pollution?
Air pollution can be reduced by using public transport, using cleaner energy sources, and reducing waste.
What is nitrogen fixation?
Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen gas into a usable form for plants, usually done by bacteria.
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.
What are polar ice caps?
Polar ice caps are large areas of thick ice covering the poles of the Earth, contributing to sea levels.
How does urbanization affect water resources?
Urbanization increases demand for water resources and can lead to pollution and depletion of local water sources.
What is the role of algae in water bodies?
Algae are crucial in aquatic ecosystems as they produce oxygen through photosynthesis and serve as food for aquatic life.
What are the effects of heavy metals in water?
Heavy metals can be toxic to aquatic life and humans, leading to health risks and environmental damage.
What is biomass?
Biomass refers to organic materials from plants and animals that can be used as fuel.
What is atmospheric pressure?
Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air above a surface, influencing weather patterns.
What are pollutants from vehicles?
Vehicles emit pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
What causes acid oceans?
Acid oceans are caused by increased CO2 levels, leading to higher acidity in ocean water.
Define 'aeration' in water treatment.
Aeration is the process of adding air to water to remove dissolved gases and improve water quality.
What is thermocline?
Thermocline is a layer in a body of water where the temperature changes rapidly with depth.
What are the key properties of water?
Key properties of water include its high specific heat, solvent capabilities, cohesion, and adhesion.
What is conservation in water management?
Conservation in water management refers to practices that reduce water waste and promote sustainable use of water resources.
What is the significance of wetlands?
Wetlands provide important ecosystems for biodiversity, water filtration, and flood control.
What is filtration in water treatment?
Filtration removes physical impurities and suspended solids from water through various types of media.
What is the function of a water treatment plant?
A water treatment plant is a facility that processes water to make it safe for drinking and other uses.
What is the effect of temperature on the density of water?
The density of water decreases as temperature increases, reaching a maximum density at 4°C.
What is the role of phytoplankton in aquatic ecosystems?
Phytoplankton is a foundational component of aquatic ecosystems, producing oxygen and serving as food for many marine organisms.
What does a hydrometer measure?
A hydrometer measures the specific gravity or density of liquids, commonly used in water quality testing.
What are the characteristics of hard water?
Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, leading to scaling and reduced soap effectiveness.
What is river sediment and its importance?
River sediment consists of particles carried by water, important for nutrient cycling and shaping riverbanks.
What causes eutrophication?
Eutrophication is caused by excess nutrients, mainly from agriculture and sewage, leading to algal blooms and decreased oxygen levels.
What is a watershed?
A watershed is an area of land that drains into a specific river or body of water, important for water management.
Define 'chlorination' in water treatment.
Chlorination is the process of adding chlorine to water to kill harmful microorganisms and disinfect it.
What are waterborne diseases?
Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by parasites, bacteria, or viruses transmitted through contaminated water.
What is the impact of sewage on water bodies?
Sewage can lead to pollution, nutrient overload, and increased pathogens in water bodies.
What role do oceans play in climate regulation?
Oceans absorb carbon dioxide and heat, influencing global climate patterns and weather events.
What is a water footprint?
A water footprint measures the total volume of freshwater used to produce goods and services.
What is thermal pollution?
Thermal pollution occurs when industries change the temperature of a water body, harming aquatic systems.
What is the significance of carbon sinks?
Carbon sinks, like forests and oceans, absorb more carbon dioxide than they release, helping mitigate climate change.
What are the effects of global warming?
Global warming leads to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changes in biodiversity.
What is aquifer depletion?
Aquifer depletion occurs when groundwater is extracted faster than it can be replenished, leading to water scarcity.
Define bioremediation.
Bioremediation is the process of using microorganisms to degrade environmental contaminants in water and soil.
What is surface runoff?
Surface runoff is the flow of excess water over the ground surface, often leading to erosion and water pollution.
What is the function of a water quality index?
A water quality index summarizes and compares several water quality parameters to assess overall water safety.
What is a bioindicator?
A bioindicator is a species or group of species used to assess environmental health and ecosystem changes.
What is the role of sedimentation in water treatment?
Sedimentation allows suspended particles to settle to the bottom of a treatment tank, clarifying the water.
What are the environmental impacts of fracking?
Fracking can cause water contamination, increased seismic activity, and habitat disruption.
How does urban heat island effect impact water resources?
The urban heat island effect raises local temperatures, increasing water evaporation and demand for cooling.
What is integrated water resource management (IWRM)?
IWRM is a process ensuring the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources.
What is the purpose of a water conservation policy?
A water conservation policy aims to promote efficient and sustainable use of water resources.
What is pollution abatement?
Pollution abatement refers to measures taken to reduce or eliminate the release of pollutants into the environment.
What factors contribute to water erosion?
Water erosion is influenced by rainfall intensity, soil type, and land use practices.
What is volcanic ash and its effect on the atmosphere?
Volcanic ash can affect air quality, climate patterns, and can contribute to acid rain.
What are surface waters?
Surface waters are bodies of water found on the Earth's surface, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How do oceans regulate temperature?
Oceans regulate temperature through absorption and distribution of solar energy, influencing climate.
What are the characteristics of polluted water?
Polluted water may have an unpleasant odor, discoloration, and contain harmful pathogens or chemicals.
What is hydrogen bonding in water?
Hydrogen bonding in water contributes to its unique properties, including high surface tension and boiling point.
What is water reclamation?
Water reclamation is the process of treating wastewater for reuse, conserving freshwater resources.
What is the effect of pesticides on water quality?
Pesticides can contaminate water bodies, harming aquatic life and entering the food chain.
What are the environmental impacts of mining on water resources?
Mining can lead to water pollution, habitat destruction, and increased sediment in waterways.
What is the role of the Environment Agency?
The Environment Agency
