Atmospheric Systems & Societies

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What are the primary components of Earth's atmosphere?

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Nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%), with 1% trace gases.

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What are the primary components of Earth's atmosphere?

Nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%), with 1% trace gases.

What is the albedo effect?

The reflectivity of Earth's surface and atmosphere, influencing global temperature.

How do high, thin clouds affect Earth's temperature?

They tend to warm the Earth by trapping outgoing infrared radiation.

What is the greenhouse effect?

A natural process that warms the Earth's surface by trapping heat through greenhouse gases.

What is the role of stratospheric ozone?

It protects life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

What are the main reactions involved in ozone formation?

$O_2 + UV \rightarrow O + O$ and $O + O_2 + M \rightarrow O_3 + M$.

What human activities contribute to ozone depletion?

Release of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

What is photochemical smog?

A type of air pollution formed from primary pollutants and sunlight, leading to secondary pollutants like ozone.

What are primary pollutants in photochemical smog?

Nitrogen oxides ($NO_x$) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from fossil fuel combustion.

What factors influence the formation of photochemical smog?

Temperature, sunlight intensity, wind patterns, and topography.

What causes acid deposition?

Reactions of sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$) and nitrogen oxides ($NO_x$) with water and other chemicals.

What are the impacts of acid deposition?

Acidification of water bodies, damage to forests, corrosion of buildings, and health issues.

What strategies have been implemented to reduce acid deposition?

Installation of scrubbers, catalytic converters, and international agreements like the Helsinki Protocol.

What are the main causes of climate change?

Natural causes (e.g., Milankovitch cycles) and human-induced causes (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions).

What are some potential impacts of climate change?

Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, shifts in ecosystems, and health impacts.

What are positive feedback mechanisms in climate change?

Processes that amplify warming, such as ice-albedo feedback and water vapor feedback.

What are some mitigation strategies for climate change?

Transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and reforestation.

What is the purpose of the Montreal Protocol?

To phase out the production of ozone-depleting substances.

What is the Paris Agreement?

A landmark agreement to combat climate change and promote sustainable low carbon future.

Why is understanding atmospheric systems important?

It is crucial for addressing global environmental challenges and informing policy responses.

1 / 20

What are the primary components of Earth's atmosphere?

Flip

Spacebar

Nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%), with 1% trace gases.

Flip

Spacebar

What are the primary components of Earth's atmosphere?

Nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%), with 1% trace gases.

What is the albedo effect?

The reflectivity of Earth's surface and atmosphere, influencing global temperature.

How do high, thin clouds affect Earth's temperature?

They tend to warm the Earth by trapping outgoing infrared radiation.

What is the greenhouse effect?

A natural process that warms the Earth's surface by trapping heat through greenhouse gases.

What is the role of stratospheric ozone?

It protects life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

What are the main reactions involved in ozone formation?

$O_2 + UV \rightarrow O + O$ and $O + O_2 + M \rightarrow O_3 + M$.

What human activities contribute to ozone depletion?

Release of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

What is photochemical smog?

A type of air pollution formed from primary pollutants and sunlight, leading to secondary pollutants like ozone.

What are primary pollutants in photochemical smog?

Nitrogen oxides ($NO_x$) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from fossil fuel combustion.

What factors influence the formation of photochemical smog?

Temperature, sunlight intensity, wind patterns, and topography.

What causes acid deposition?

Reactions of sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$) and nitrogen oxides ($NO_x$) with water and other chemicals.

What are the impacts of acid deposition?

Acidification of water bodies, damage to forests, corrosion of buildings, and health issues.

What strategies have been implemented to reduce acid deposition?

Installation of scrubbers, catalytic converters, and international agreements like the Helsinki Protocol.

What are the main causes of climate change?

Natural causes (e.g., Milankovitch cycles) and human-induced causes (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions).

What are some potential impacts of climate change?

Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, shifts in ecosystems, and health impacts.

What are positive feedback mechanisms in climate change?

Processes that amplify warming, such as ice-albedo feedback and water vapor feedback.

What are some mitigation strategies for climate change?

Transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and reforestation.

What is the purpose of the Montreal Protocol?

To phase out the production of ozone-depleting substances.

What is the Paris Agreement?

A landmark agreement to combat climate change and promote sustainable low carbon future.

Why is understanding atmospheric systems important?

It is crucial for addressing global environmental challenges and informing policy responses.