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File created: Dec 6, 1999

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Atmosphere Components Help

Move your cursor over a green dot for hints (got a mac and the text does not show up? try this link). Not all the components are ready - check back later to see if this page is done.

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Components of the Atmosphere

Component Formula or abbreviation Source Effect in atmosphere Leaves Atmosphere by: People affect cycling by: We can manage it better by:
Nitrogen N2 volcanos, some bacteria inert, but it does melt meteorites N-fixing bacteria, lightning, fertilizer manufacturing, high temperature combustion over enrichment of nitrogen compounds into living systems, soil and water through fertilizer over-use and NOx pollution - eutrophication careful fertilizer use, lower NOx emissions through energy conservation and air pollution control systems
Oxygen gas O2 photosynthesis 21% of air, supplies O for ozone production, critical for most life combustion, respiration, ozone production, oxidation changing photosynthesis patterns through a variety of ways such as burning, power generation, deforestation, ozone depletion, climate change better mgt of climate
carbon Dioxide CO2 Respiration, combustion, breakdown of CaCO3, volcanoes greenhouse gas: absorbs IR radiation photosynthesis, tropical coral reef growth burning fossil fuels, deforestation, conserve energy, preserve natural ecosystems, protect coral reefs, use alternative energy sources
ozone O3 split and recombining of O2 high in the atmosphere. Also, ozone is a harmful product of smog Absorbs harmful UV, also causes lung diseases, damage to surfaces, plants destruction by chlorine molecule released from CFCs release of CFCs from refridgeration equipment, some industrial processes maintain and dispose of air conditioners and refridgerators properly, phase out use of CFCs in industry
water vapor H2O evaporation, transpiration, some from combustion greenhouse gas, important in atmosphere energy systems, supplies water cycle Condensation, Precipitation changing climate manage climate better
particulates and aerosols P/A natural sources: wind erosion, sea salt, meteorites, pollen, dander, fires, volcanos. human sources: burning, increased soil erosion, industry, mining, war. reflect light, shading surface, temp cooling, toxic diseases, can lead to acid rain, nitrogen over-enrichment, smog. May temporarily counteract some global warming effects in developed nations condensation nuclei, precipitation, settle out Causing exposed soil, barren areas, burning, industry, control particulates from human sources - burning: dont burn leaves, trash, avoid tropical beef, conserve energy. soil erosion: protect soil. industry: avoid the consumer disease of buying things you dont need. mining: recycle war: work for peace. trash burning: reuse, recycle, compost. internal combustion engines: car pool, conserve electricity,
Nitrogen oxides NOx nitrogen mixes with oxygen; high temperature combustions; industry makes smog and acid rain smog, rain high temperature combustion Conserve energy, recycle
Chloro- fluoro- carbons CFCs leaking refrigeration equipment, some industrial sources breaks down in stratosphere releasing chlorine molecule which destroys UV absorbing ozone breaks down under UV light manufacture and release of CFCs maintain and dispose of air conditioners and refridgerators properly, phase out use of CFCs in industry
Sulfur Dioxide SO2 volcanoes, burning of high sulfur fuels coal, oil etc haze of SO2 aerosols reflect light - may counteract global warming in industrialized countries. CO2 from same areas continues to warm planet. Result: uneven global warming, possibly more condensation in cooler industrial areas. combines with water to make acid rain - 2(SO2)+O2+2(H2O)->2(H2SO4) Acid rain effects: damages plants, surfaces, aquatic reproduction. use of high sulfur coal, oil, some industries continue to insist on using low s fuels and/or scrubbers to remove SO2, buy pollution credits, conserve energy
Methane CH4 Decomposing organic matter, ruminants like cows, rice paddies, thawing permafrost, Greenhouse gas rain? landfills, rice pattys, cows, industrial process Lower industrial gas products
volatile organic hydrocarbons VOHC or VOC Motor vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents Photochemical reaction produces smog ? Keep your automobile well tuned and maintained. Carpool, use mass transit, walk, bicycle, and/or reduce driving, especially on hot summer days. Be careful not to spill gasoline when filling up your car or gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment. During the summer, fill your gas tank during the cooler evening hours. Make sure your car's tires are properly inflated and your wheels are aligned. Participate in your local utility's energy conservation programs. Seal containers of household cleaners, workshop chemicals and solvents, and garden chemicals to prevent VOC from evaporating into the air. Dispose of them properly.

 

Questions:

Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 17:51:21 -0800 (PST)

--- a student wrote:
> I have a question, I see your chart, but how come it
> has so much more info
> then what was on the board?
>

---- There's more room.

> so do I have to copy all that down
>

No, just understand it. Obviously you cannot fit paragraphs of information into little boxes. You will get full credit for including the important points. What are the important points? The material discussed in class.

-- Mr. M.

 

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