Chapter 2 Flashcards
(7 cards)
How does acid rain impact terrestrial ecosystems? What are its long-term consequences?
(write introduction):
1. The acidity of acid rain can damage buildings, forests and bodies of water.
2. It can harm crops and make soil less fertile.
3. When humans breathe in the polluted air or drink contaminated water, it can lead to health problems.
4. Animals and plants suffer too, as it can damage their habitats and disrupt ecosystems.
Air pollution
Any atmospheric condition with substances above normal levels, adversely affecting living organisms and materials. Example: Combustion of fossil fuel results in air pollution.
What is the role of the ozone layer? How is it depleted?
The ozone layer shields us from harmful UV rays.
It is being harmed by chemicals like CFCs, halons and HCFCs. These chemicals are found in aerosol sprays, refrigerants and other products. They rise up to the ozone layer and break apart molecules, depleting the layer.
How does acid rain form
Fossil fuels like oil, coal and gas produce dangerous gases when they are burnt. These gases, like nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides, are released into the air. When these gases mix with water droplets in the clouds, they form acid rain.
Insolation
The amount of the Sun’s energy that reaches the Earth’s atmosphere and surface. Example: The strongest insolation is received at noon on any day.
How does the intensity of insolation contribute to the formation of deserts near the equator?
Places near the equator receive higher insolation, which means they get more sunlight. So, these regions have higher rainfall and can become deserts with little vegetation. The intense heat from high insolation causes water to evaporate quickly, leaving the land dry and arid.
How do the clouds and clear skies affect nighttime temperatures
Temperatures tend to be higher on cloudy nights because more of the radiated heat is trapped and sent back down. On clear nights, a higher percentage of the radiated heat escapes back into space.
