T6 (Atmosphere) Definitions

Question 1

Troposphere

Answer 1

The layer closest to the earth’s surface and includes where we live. (up to 10km above sea level - weather processes here)

Question 2

Stratosphere

Answer 2

This layer extends from 10 to 50 km above sea level (ozone - temp increase)

Question 3

Mesosphere

Answer 3

50 to 80 km above sea level (decreasing temp)

Question 4

Thermosphere

Answer 4

From 80 km to between 500 km and 1,000 km above sea level (vacuum - increasing temp)

Question 5

Wet Deposition

Answer 5

When pollutants are incorporated into the clouds or falling raindrops and result in acidified rain or snow.

Question 6

Dry Deposition

Answer 6

When atmospheric pollutants are removed by gravity or direct contact under dry conditions.

Question 7

Atmosphere

Answer 7

A dynamic system (with inputs, outputs, flows and storages) which has undergone changes throughout geological time.

Question 8

Global Warming

Answer 8

Increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere.

Question 9

Greenhouse Effect

Answer 9

A natural and necessary process in which greenhouse gases allow short-wave radiation
to pass through the atmosphere but trap
a percentage of the outgoing long-wave radiation. It increases global temperatures by about 33 °C, thereby allowing life on Earth.

Question 10

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

Answer 10

Refers to the anthropogenic (human- induced) global warming as a result of increased use of greenhouse gases.

Question 11

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987) and subsequent updates

Answer 11

An international agreement for the reduction of use of ODSs signed under
the direction of UNEP.

Question 12

Primary Pollutants

Answer 12

An air pollutant emitted directly from a source

Question 13

Secondary Pollutants

Answer 13

Forms when other pollutants (primary pollutants) react in the atmosphere