Chapter 18 and 19 Air Pollution Global Warming and Climate Change Flashcards
Two Sources of Pollution
Natural
Human Caused
Smoke from natural fires
volcanic ash
Pollens
Variety of natural gases
Natural AP
smoke and fog (smog) Carbon Monoxide, Sulfur Oxides Particulate matter VOC- Volatile Organic Compounds Nitrogen Oxides
Human AP
a clear odorless colorless gas caused by the incomplete combustion of of organic substances
carbon monoxide
any of several compounds of sulfur and oxygen, the most important of which are sulfur dioxide (SO2) and sulfur trioxide (SO3), both of which are manufactured in huge quantities in intermediate steps of sulfuric acid manufacture. The dioxide is the acid anhydride (a compound that combines with water to form an acid) of sulfurous acid; the trioxide is the acid anhydride of sulfuric acid.
Sulfur Oxides
the sum of all solid and liquid particles suspended in air many of which are hazardous. This complex mixture includes both organic and inorganic particles, such as dust, pollen, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. These particles vary greatly in size, composition, and origin. Carried by wind
Particulate Matter
means any compound of carbon, excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate, which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions.
VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds
any of several oxides of nitrogen most of which are produced in combustion and are considered to be atmospheric pollutants
Nitrogen Oxides
Air pollution produced by the action of sunlight on hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants.
Photo Chemical Smog
colorless, odorless reactive gas comprised of three oxygen atoms. It is found naturally in the earth’s stratosphere, where it absorbs the ultraviolet component of incoming solar radiation that could be harmful to life on earth.
ozone pollution
Factors that affect Air Pollution
Thermal Inversions
Radiation Inversion
Subsidence Inversion
temperature inversion that occurs because the ground cools faster than the air above it, resulting in build up of pollution at ground level
Radiation Inversion
temperature inversion caused when a mass of high pressure air settles over an area and causes pollutants to build at ground level
Subsidence inversion
shroud of dust particles typically found over urban areas caused by unique atmospheric circulation ‘pattern making rural areas and urban areas vastky different in temperature
Dust domes
the tendency for the atmosphere in the city to be warmer than the surrounding farmlands, result of greater heat producing sources in the city to include cars, factories, humans
Heat Islands
Examples of Chronic Effects
Chronic Bronchitis Emphysema Lung Cancer Asbestosis Carbon Monoxide
Air Pollution Abatement and Control
Clean Air Act
1963 - weak and ineffective
1970 - Auto emissions, Air quality standards
1977 - Nonattainment areas, Emission offset policy, enforcement powers
1990 - Acid rain, pollution taxes
what does air pollution regulation try and control?
Controlling particulates Controlling Sulfur Oxide Emissions Control automotive emissions Change fuel efficiency Manage traffic volume Alternative Fuels
Changes in earth orbit around the sun Changes in earth tilt Increase/decrease in solar activity Increase/decrease in volcanic activity Chaotic interactions of earth systems
Natural Factors Global Warming
Two main factors that alter Global Temperature
Greenhouse gases
Deforestation
Effects of Global Climate Change
Rising ocean temperatures Melting glaciers Decrease in polar ice Heat waves Increase in extreme weather events Changes in precipitation Agricultural region shifts Increase in forest fires Impacts to aquifers Mass extinctions Spread of insects and disease
How can we change direction with climate change?
Reduce emissions
Alternative fuels for generation
Increase efficiency for vehicles
Halt deforestation
