Impact On Atmosphere Flashcards
Air pollution
The contamination of air by harmful substances including gas and smoke.
Photochemical smog
Air pollution that forms from the interaction between chemicals in the air and sunlight.
Particle matter
The mix of both solid and liquid particles in the air.
Acid precipitation
Precipitation that has a lower pH than that of normal rainwater (pH 5.6).
What are some causes and effect of air pollution
As the human population increases, our demand for resources such as food, electricity, cars, airplane flights etc. increases. All of this contributes to air pollution which affects the composition and viability of the atmosphere. There are various examples of air pollution, some include; smog, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), particulate matter, and acid precipitation.
What are the causes and effects of photochemical smog
Nitrogen and carbon compounds are released when fossil fuels are burned for energy for vehicles and power plants. When these nitrogen and carbon compounds in the air react in the sunlight, it causes photochemical smog. They react in the sunlight and form other compounds, including Ozone. Ozone close to earth’s surface makes the air difficult to breathe.
What are the causes and effects of CFCs
All CFCs are a result of human activity. They are released from things such as old refrigerators, air conditioners, and propellants in aerosol cans (like hair spray, spray deodorant, air fresheners etc). The Ozone in the upper atmosphere absorbs harmful UV rays from the sun. the CFCs react with sunlight and destroy ozone molecules. This causes the ozone layer to thin, causing more harmful UV rays to reach the earth’s surface and harm animal and plant tissues.
What are the causes and effects of particle matter
This is the mix of both solid and liquid particles in the air. Examples of the solid particles include; smoke, dust, and dirt. They enter the air from natural processes such as volcanic eruptions, and forest fires. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, also release particulate matter. Inhaling these particles can cause asthma and bronchitis.
What are the causes and effects of acid precipitation
This is rain or snow that has a lower pH than normal precipitation. It is formed when gases containing nitrogen and sulfur react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere. Burning fossil fuels is a major source of sulfur emissions. Acid rain pollutes the soil and harms trees and other plants. It can also harm fish and other organisms when it falls into lakes and rivers.
How can we protect the ozone layer
We must protect the ozone layer, but this requires cooperation from both the government, scientists, and the public. Countries worldwide are working together to try and reduce air pollution. 197 countries have signed the Montreal Protocol to phase out the use of CFCs. The USA has the Clean Air Act that limits the amount of certain pollutants that can be released into the air. California also has its own emission standards for motor vehicles. This has seen the rate of increase of CFCs in the atmosphere decrease, and the concentration of CFC-12 and CFC-11 start to slowly decline. Nationally a number of common air pollutants have been steadily decreasing since the 1990s. We want to continue to see this decline and must therefore continue in our efforts to reduce air pollution.
What can we do to reduce atmospheric pollution
Walk, or cycle places instead of driving, or being driven in, a gas car. Switch to electric vehicles, reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as possible. Install solar panels on your home, and use renewable energy sources as much as possible.
