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ATMOSPHERE
BY: group 10
WHAT IS ATMOSPHERE
EARTHS ATMOSPHERE
COMPOSITION OF THE ATMOSPHERE
Layers of the ATMOSPHERE
Solar Energy Affects the
Atmosphere
Solar Radiation and how the Atmosphere is Heated as the
temperature profile of the Earth shows, several factors
contribute to the heating of the Earth's atmosphere. To
understand how the atmosphere is heated, we must
first understand the nature of radiation. In today's
world, the word radiation tends to have negative
connotations, often associated with nuclear fallout or
nuclear plant mishaps. Theterm radiation is much more
general than that, and refers to any form of energy
which can travel through a vacuum. (Sound, for
instance, cannot travel through a vacuum and requires
a medium (like air or water) through which it
propagates, hence sound is not a form of radiation.)
The ozone layer
is a belt of naturally occurring ozone gas that sits 9.3 to
18.6 miles (15 to 30 kilometers) above Earth and serves as
a shield from the harmful ultraviolet B radiation emitted by
the sun.
Ozone is a highly reactive molecule that contains three
oxygen atoms. It is constantly being formed and broken
down in the high atmosphere, 6.2 to 31 miles (10 to 50
kilometers) above Earth, in the region called the
stratosphere.
Today, there is widespread concern that the ozone layer is
deteriorating due to the release of pollution containing the
chemicals chlorine and bromine. Such deterioration allows
large amounts of ultraviolet B rays toreach Earth, which
can cause skin cancer and cataracts in humans and harm
animals as well.
Extra ultraviolet B radiation reaching Earth also inhibits the
reproductive cycle of phytoplankton, single-celled
organisms such as algae that make up the bottom rung of
the food chain. Biologists fear that reductions in
The Main Ozone-Depleting
Substances
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) (ODS)
The most widely used ODS, accounting for over 80% of total
stratospheric ozone depletion.
Used as coolants in refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners in
buildings and cars manufactured before 1995.
Found in industrial solvents, dry-cleaning agents and hospital
sterilants.
Also used in foam products such as soft-foam padding (e.g.
cushions and mattresses) and rigid foam (e.g. home insulation).
Halons
Used in some fire extinguishers, in cases where materials and
equipment would be destroyed by water or other fire extinguisher
chemicals. In B.C., halons cause greater damage to the ozone
layer than do CFCs from automobile air conditioners.
Methyl Chloroform
Used mainly in industry for vapour degreasing, some aerosols,
cold cleaning, adhesives and chemical processing.
Carbon Tetrachloride
Used in solvents and some fire extinguishers.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
HCFCs have become major, transitional substitutes for CFCs.
Primary Air Pollutants
Indoor airis air within a building such as your
home, classroom, office, shopping center,
hospital or gym. We sayIndoor Air
Pollutionif indoor air is contaminated by
smoke, chemicals, smells or particles.
Indoor Air Pollution
Indoor air pollution consists of toxic
gases or particles that can harm your
health. These pollutants can build up
rapidly indoors to levels much higher
than those usually found outdoors.
This is especially true if large
amounts of a pollutant are released
indoors. Moreover, "tighter"
construction in newer homes can
prevent pollutants from escaping to
Common Air Pollutants
Rapid industrialization
Fast urbanization
Rapid growth in population
Growth of vehicles on the roads and
Activities of human beings have disturbed the
natural balance of the atmosphere.
Sources of Air
pollution
Sources ofair pollution are of two
types