Atmospheric Systems Review Flashcards
Name three different proxies that scientists use to study past climates
- Tree rings
- Ice cores
- Marine sediment
Why is it so important to read / know the range on graphs (any graphs)?
To see how much the data is actually changing and to take into context and fully understand what you are looking for
Explain why the ocean plays a HUGE role in the earth’s climate
Because of its natural HEAT CAPACITY (the ability to absorb energy when water is heated) Through the movement of currents, the oceans transport heat throughout the globe
What is a carbon tax?
Basically putting a tax to anything and everything that emits carbon
Explain what Revenue neutral means in regards to the carbon tax
Canada calls its program “revenue neutral” because all PROCEEDS are RETURNED to the province where they were collected. 90% of the revenue return to houses through a rebate program. The other 10% is directed to programs to help businesses, schools, municipalities, etc. To reduce their fossil fuel consumption
Explain the ozone layer
A layer in the atmosphere located in the stratosphere (90%). Made of three oxygen atoms O3 / ozone that absorbs high energy radiation emitted by the sun (sunscreen basically).
What has been done to save the ozone layer?
Montreal protocol (1987) restricting the production and consumption of CFC’s (chlorofluorocarbons)
Carbon monoxide: effects on human health
• Reduces amount of oxygen that blood can carry to cells
• high levels in urban areas can cause headaches, fatigue, and blurred vision
• prolonged contact can cause death
Nitrogen Oxides: effects on human health
• irritates eyes and lungs
• Increases chance of respiratory infections
• causes chronic bronchitis
Particulate Matter (pm): effects on human health
• small particles can enter the nose and mouth and DAMAGE TISSUE OF LUNGS and tubes leading to them
• WORSENS ASTHMA, BRONCHITIS, and other respiratory conditions
• some increase chance of CANCER
Sulfur dioxide: effects on human health
• sulfur-containing acids can burn lung tissue if inhaled
• Inhalation symptoms include chest pain, sore throat, headache, nausea
Volatile Organic Compunds (VOC’s): Effects on human health
• irritable eyes, nose, and throat
• crazy can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness
• higher concentrations = damage to internal organs (lungs, liver, brain)
• Some increase chance of cancer
Radon
Desc: Uranium in the ground
Effects: Lung cancer
Asbestos
Desc: Mineral used in insulation
Effects: Lung cancer
Bacteria
Desc: found everywhere
Effects: coughs, fever, chills, etc.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) sources
> 🔥 fossil fuels or generating⚡️
🔥🪵 for heat & clearing land
Nitrogen Oxides sources
> motor 🚗 exhaust
🔥 fossil fuels & biomass
🌲🌳 fires
Particulate Matter sources
> 🔥 🌱 material
🚜👨🌾🌱
travel on 🛣
🏭 processes
🏗👷♀️
⛏️
🌋
🌊 spray
Sulfur Dioxide sources
> 🔥 sulfur-rich coal in 🔌⚡️🌿
🔥 biomass
🏭 gases
🌋 activity
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) sources
> 🔥 fossil fuels & 🪵
refineries & other 🏭🌱’s
🔥 🍃🚬 🤨 (tobacco)
🎨, glues, 👕, 👷♀️ materials, copy machines, printers, personal care 💅 products 👁👄👁
