Topic 6

Question 1

Atmosphere

Answer 1

A dynamic system of an envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet which has undergone changes through geological time.

Question 2

Albedo

Answer 2

The fraction of solar energy (shortwave radiation) reflected from the Earth back into space. It is a measure of the reflectivity of the earth’s surface.

Question 3

Greenhouse Effect

Answer 3

A natural and necessary atmospheric phenomenon maintaining suitable temperatures for living systems.

Question 4

Stratosphere

Answer 4

The layer of the earth’s atmosphere above the troposphere, extending to about 32 miles (50 km) above the earth’s surface (the lower boundary of the mesosphere).

Question 5

Troposphere

Answer 5

The lowest region of the atmosphere, extending from the earth’s surface to a height of about 3.7–6.2 miles (6–10 km), which is the lower boundary of the stratosphere.

Question 6

Dynamic Equilibrium

Answer 6

A state of balance between continuing processes. (When ozone is continuously being made and is continuously converted back to oxygen).

Question 7

Montreal Protocol

Answer 7

An international agreement to phase out the production of ozone-depleting substances.

Question 8

Greenhouse Gases

Answer 8

Water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane.

Question 9

Ozone-depleting Substances

Answer 9

(Including halogenated organic gases); Substances used in aerosols, gas-blown plastics, pesticides, flame retardants, and refrigerants. Halogen atoms (like chlorine) from these atoms increase destruction of ozone in a repetitive cycle, allowing more ultraviolet to reach the earth.

Question 10

Ultraviolet Radiation

Answer 10

Radiation in the part of the electromagnetic spectrum where wavelengths are just shorter than those of ordinary, visible violet light but longer than those of x-rays. It may damage living tissues, increasing the likelihood of cataracts, mutations, skin cancer, etc.