3.2.1 The Atmosphere Flashcards
(14 cards)
Why does temp increase in stratosphere
Absorption of shortwave UV
(Closer to sun)
Why does temp decrease in troposphere
Absorption of long wave IR
(From the ground)
What negative feedback mechanisms resist stop atmospheric temp increasing
Cloud cover- increased albedo, less light absorbed
Increased photosynthesis- reduces CO2 so less IR absorbed
Why is there very little water vapour in the stratosphere
Cold water vapour condenses in the troposphere and falls as precipitation
What natural process produces nitrogen gas
Volcanic eruption
What human activity causes release of oxides of nitrogen
High fertility use
High temp activity
What natural process produces ozone gas
UV reactions with oxygen
How does an increase in atmospheric co2 concern cause increase in temp
Increased absorption of infra red
Ways reducing an co2 by human activities
Absorbed by plants
Dissolved in sea
Absorbed by corals
Forms carbonate rocks
What GHGs don’t contain carbon
Tropospheric Osborne
Water vapour
NOx gases
How does ozone depletion threaten humans
Human health- Skin cancer, DNA mutation
Other living organisms- Lower crop yield, leaf damage, reduced photosynthesis
Name new materials that reduces CFC use
Refrigerators- hydrocarbons
Grease solvent- alcohols
Aerosols- hydrocarbons
How does the release of CFCs deplete ozone
UV reacts with CFCs and releases chlorine
Chlorine reacts with monatomic oxygen with ozone
Why was the Montreal Protocol more effective at controlling CFC emissions then the Kyoto Protocol at controlling GHG emissions
Simpler cause, fewer mechanisms than climate change
More evidence/ public awareness
All counties signed up
alternatives to CFCs available/fossil fuels difficult to replace
