Ch. 19 APES

acid deposition

The falling of acids and acid-forming compounds from the atmosphere to the earth’s surface.

air pollution

One or more chemicals in high enough concentrations in the air to harm humans, other animals, vegetation, or materials. Excess heat is also considered a form of air pollution.

atmosphere

Whole mass of air surrounding the earth.

greenhouse gases

Gases in the earth’s lower atmosphere (troposphere) that cause the greenhouse effect that warms the lower atmosphere.

industrial smog

Type of air pollution consisting mostly of a mixture of sulfur dioxide, suspended droplets of sulfuric acid formed from some of the sulfur dioxide, and suspended solid particles.

ozone layer

Layer of gaseous ozone in the stratosphere that protects life on earth by filtering out most harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

photochemical smog

Complex mixture of air pollutants produced in the lower atmosphere by the reaction of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides under the influence of sunlight.

primary pollutant

Chemical that has been added directly to the air by natural events or human activities and occurs in a harmful concentration.

secondary pollutant

Harmful chemical formed in the atmosphere when a primary air pollutant reacts with normal air components or other air pollutants.

stratosphere

Second layer of the atmosphere, extending about 17 to 48 kilometers (11 to 30 miles) above earth’s surface.

temperature inversion

Layer of dense, cool air trapped under a layer of less dense, warm air, preventing upward-flowing air currents from developing.

troposphere

Innermost layer of the atmosphere, containing about 75% of the mass of earth’s air and extending about 17 kilometers (11 miles) above sea level.