Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution (APES)

Temperature inversion

→ A meteorological phenomenon where a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the Earth's surface, preventing the normal upward movement of air and pollutants. This can lead to increased concentrations of pollutants and smog formation.

Photochemical smog

A brownish haze formed by the reaction of sunlight with pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. Common in urban areas with high traffic, it can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.

Industrial smog

A type of air pollution characterized by a mixture of sulfur dioxide, suspended droplets of sulfuric acid, and a variety of suspended solid particles. It is typically associated with industrial activities and the burning of coal.

secondary pollutants

pollutants that form in the atmosphere through chemical reactions between primary pollutants and other atmospheric components

• Ozone

• sulfuric acid - H₂SO₄

primary pollutants

pollutants that are emitted directly into the atmosphere from sources such as vehicles, industrial facilities, and natural events. These gases include:

• chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

• ozone

• carbon monoxide - CO

• sulfur oxides - SOₓ

• nitrogen oxides - NOₓ

acid deposition

the falling of acids and acid-forming compounds form the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface

• comes in the form of wet deposition: acid rain, snow, or fog

• or dry deposition: acidic gases or particles