Chapter 9 -> Global Atmospheric Changes

Acid deposition

A type of air pollution that includes sulfuric and nitric acids in precipitation, as well as dry acid particles that settle out of the air.

Carbon management

Ways to separate and capture the CO2 produced during the combustion of fossil fuels and then sequester (store) it.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Human-made organic compounds that contain chlorine and fluorine; now banned because they attack the stratospheric ozone layer.

Climate

The typical weather patterns that occur in a place over a period of years.

Enhanced greenhouse effect

Additional atmospheric warming produced as human activities increase atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases.

Forest decline

A gradual deterioration and eventual death of many trees in a forest.

Greenhouse gases

Gases—including water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and certain other gases—that absorb infrared radiation.

Infrared radiation

Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than those of visible light but shorter than microwaves; perceived as invisible waves of heat.

Ozone thinning

The removal of ozone from the stratosphere by human-produced chemicals or natural processes.

Radiative forcing

For greenhouse gases, the capacity to retain heat in Earth's atmosphere.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation

Radiation from the part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths just shorter than visible light; can be lethal to organisms at high levels of exposure.