Share Atmosphere and human activities review
Save to Folder
Name the four layers of the atmosphere in order
troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, (exosphere)
Describe the temperature trend in the troposphere
temperature decreases with increasing altitude
What gases make up the atmosphere?
nitrogen (78%) oxgen (21%) carbon dioxide (0.04%) water vapour (variable) argon (1%)
Describe the ozone layer (3)
layer of ozone (O3) gas located in the stratosphere it filters out harmful UV radiation from the Sun
Describe the natural greenhouse effect
a process that occurs when gases in Earth's atmosphere trap the Sun's heat. This process makes Earth much warmer than it would be without an atmosphere.
Name four greenhouse gases
Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), Nitrous oxides (NOx), Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
What is the primary contributor to the excess carbon dioxide causing the enhanced greenhouse effect?
Burning fossil fuels
Describe three impacts of acid rain on the environment
it acidification of bodies of water, effects on fish populations, damage to crops and vegetation, damage to buildings
When atmospheric ozone is depleted higher levels of ultraviolet radiation reach the Earth's surface. Describe two effects of increased UV radiation.
increased rates of skin cancer and cataracts, damage to vegetation
Describe how melting glaciers and ice sheets impacts albedo (reflection of solar radiation)
ice reflects much more sunlight than water or land which has a dark surface and absorbs heat. As ice melts more solar radiation is absorbs speeding up melting
Describe three ways farmers could impacted by climate change.
reduced cop yields in tropical climates, reduced nutritional content of food, more floods, more drought, less predictable weather, more frequent storms
Describe and explain three impacts of climate change on oceans
strong tropical storms as ocean surface temperatures warm, bleaching of coral reefs as ocean temperatures warm, ocean acidification due to increased CO2
Desribe and explain strategies used by individuals to reduce the effects of atmospheric pollution
drive less/ele/bike/carpool/walk/public transport/emit less gases, eat less meat/reduce methane emissions, use energy efficient appliances, turn off lights/a/c,
describe and explain (3) strategies used by governments to reduce the effects of atmospheric pollution
investment in renewable energy, carbon taxes/pricing to reduce emissions, legislation to reduce industrial pollution Flue gas desulfur, CCS, transport policies
describe and explain (2) strategies used by international community to reduce the effects of atmospheric pollution
international agreements (Paris Climate Accord), international policies (ban on CFCs), banning imports of products
Describe three solutions to the climate crisis
Cut fossil fuel emissions, widespread reforestation, ban on coal/oil/gas exploration,
