L4 atmosphere layers and pollutants

atmosphere

• Refers to the layer of gases that surrounds the Earth.

• It consists mainly of nitrogen and oxygen, along with small amounts of other gases. The atmosphere provides vital protection, regulates temperature,

Troposphere

• is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the Earth's surface up to an average altitude of about 12 kilometers

• It is the layer where weather occurs, and it is where we live and breathe.

• Hot air balloons and airplanes fly within the troposphere because it provides the necessary conditions for safe and efficient air travel.

Stratosphere

• is the layer of Earth's atmosphere located above the troposphere. It extends roughly from an altitude of about 12 kilometers to 30 kilometers above the Earth's surface.

•  is also home to the ozone layer, which shields the Earth from harmful UV radiation.

• Radiosondes can collect data and travel up to the lower part of the stratosphere.

Mesosphere

• is the third layer of Earth's atmosphere. It extends approximately from an altitude of about 50 kilometers to 85 kilometers above the Earth's surface.

•  is characterized by thin air and low atmospheric pressure. It is also the layer where meteors burn up upon entry into the Earth's atmosphere, creating the visual ornemon known as shooting stars.

Thermosphere

• is the fourth layer of Earth's atmosphere. It begins approximately at an altitude of 85 kilometers and has no clearly defined upper boundary.

• It is primarily composed of individual gas molecules, such as oxygen and nitrogen, rather than molecular combinations.

• is also where the auroras, such as the Northern Lights and Southern Lights, occur.

Exosphere

• Is the outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere, located above the thermosphere. It is the uppermost region of the atmosphere and gradually transitions into the vacuum of space.

• is where satellites and other human-made objects in Earth's orbit are found. Satellites are typically placed in orbit.

Atmospheric pollutants

• Pollutants are toxic chemicals.

• are formed when fuels are burnt.

• There are a number of different atmospheric pollutants.

Carbon dioxide

•  source of ___ is the combustion of any fuel

containing carbon atoms.

• is a greenhousegas

Unburnt hydrocarbons

are left when hydrocarbon fuel molecules are not oxidised during combustion.

Particulate carbon

• The source of ___ is the incomplete combustion of any fuel containing carbon atoms.

• is also known as soot.

Sulfur dioxide

The source of ___ is the combustion of a fossil fuel which contains sulfur impurities.

Nitrogen Oxides

The source of ___ is the oxidation of atmospheric nitrogen insidea car engine.

Nitrogen oxide and Nitrogen dioxide

• are made inside a car engine.

• They can contribute to acid rain, as well as photochemical smog.

• Smog is a visible pollutant, which can have major health effects.