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Definition
| a thin layer of gases surrounding the earth. it has density and atmospheric pressure. they both vary throughout the atmosphere due to gravitational forces that pull the gas molecules towards the Earth's surface. Atmospheric pressure is measured by mass per unit in air. ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE DECREASES WITH ALTITUDE. AIR AT SEA LEVEL HAS A HIGHER DENSITY THAN AIR AT THE TOP OF A MOUNTAIN. the ATMOSPHERE is divided into spherical layers with different temperature, pressure, and composition. |
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| Layers of the Earth's Atmosphere |
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Definition
Closest to most far
1. Troposphere
2. Stratosphere
3. Mesosphere
4. Thermosphere |
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Definition
75-80% of earth's mass
closest to earth's surface
at equator:extends 11 miles
at poles:extends 5 miles
Nitrogen: 78%
Oxygen: 21%
Water Vapor, CO2, Argon, and other gases: 1%
Long-term climate, short-term weather, and Earth's geo-chemical cycles |
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Definition
| the air is fairly similar due to TURBULENCE AND MIXING |
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| highest gas concentration at 10-50km |
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Definition
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| highest concentration at 100-200km |
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Definition
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| Highest concentration at 200-1100km |
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Definition
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| Highest concentration at 1100-3500 |
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Definition
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Definition
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Definition
contains the GOOD ozone;
-keeps away 95% of harmful UV radiation
-protects us from immune damage, cancers, cataracts, and sunburn of the eyes and skin.
it is the second layer of the Earth's Atmosphere
it extends 11-30 miles above the earth's surface |
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Term
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Definition
it is produced when oxygen molecules mix with UV radiation
the GOOD OZONE in the STRATOSPHERE is DECREASING
the BAD OZONE in the TROPOSPHERE is INCREASING :( |
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Definition
| high concentrations of chemicals in the atmosphere that affect climate and harm organisms and materials |
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Definition
| enter directly into the atmosphere; soot and carbon dioxide |
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Definition
| primary pollutants mixed together |
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Term
| Classes of air pollutants |
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Definition
| carbon oxides, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, VOC'S, PTM's, photochemical oxidants, radioactive substances, and hazardous air pollutants |
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| Air Pollutants come from these natural sources |
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Definition
| Forest fires, volcanic eruptions, VOC's released by plants, dust particles, decay of plants, and sea spray. |
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Definition
| formed as a result of photochemical reactions between VOC's and nitrogen oxides. Ozone concentrations are greatest on warm sunny days and are associated with high air pressure |
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| Tropospheric ozone on Human Health |
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Definition
| harmed lung disease, impaired body's defense mechanisms, increased respiratory tract infection |
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Definition
poor air quality caused by nitrogen oxides and VOC's.
Associated with high air pressure and temperature inversions |
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| Pollution management strategies |
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Definition
| reduce the use of private vehicles, one-day stop driving events, enforce engine maintenance standards, and change fuels |
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Definition
| Output approach to pollution |
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Definition
| reduce LOCAL pollution, cause REGIONAL pollution |
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Definition
| particles, aerosols, and gases. |
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Term
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Definition
| rain, snow, hail, fog, or mist. pH lower than 5.6 |
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