Chapter 6: Atmospheric Systems and Society

Question 1

Milankovitch Cycles

Answer 1

Axial tilt and orbital eccentricity will both contribute their maximum increase in solar radiation during the northern hemisphere’s summer. Hence ice age and green age. Changes over approx. 100 thousand years.

Question 2

Greenhouse effect

Answer 2

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. When the Sun’s energy reaches the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases. The absorbed energy warms the atmosphere and the surface of the Earth. Not the same as global warming.

Question 3

Ozone layer

Answer 3

The ozone layer forms a thin shield in the upper atmosphere protecting life on earth from UV rays. Ozone is a naturally occurring gas that is found in two layers of the atmosphere. … When CFCs break down in the stratosphere they release chlorine which attacks ozone. CFCs have been banned.

Question 4

Layers of the atmosphere

Answer 4

The atmosphere can be divided into layers based on its temperature. These layers are the troposphere (where we live), the stratosphere (ozone layer), the mesosphere and the thermosphere.