GE ELECT 4 - Finals Flashcards
(98 cards)
1
Q
is the invisible mixture of gases that surrounds Earth. Air contains important substances, such as oxygen and nitrogen, that most species need to survive.
A
Air
2
Q
Gases on Air
A
- nitrogen - 78%
- oxygen - 21%
- carbon dioxide - 0.4%
- other gases - 0.96&
argon
helium
neon
methane
krypton
hydrogen
3
Q
is layered in to four distinct zones of contrasting temperature due to differential absorption of solar energy. The four atmospheric layers are: Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere.exo
A
atmosphere
4
Q
Layers of Atmosphere
A
🌍 1. Troposphere (0–12 km)
- Where we live!
- Contains most of the air we breathe and all the weather (clouds, rain, snow).
- Gets colder as you go up.
- Planes fly near the top of this layer.
🌤️ 2. Stratosphere (12–50 km)
- Very dry and stable – great for high-flying jets.
- Ozone layer lives here, protecting us from harmful UV rays.
- Gets warmer with height because the ozone absorbs sunlight.
☄️ 3. Mesosphere (50–85 km)
- Very cold – the coldest layer!
- Where meteors burn up, creating shooting stars.
- Hard to study – too high for planes, too low for satellites.
🌌 4. Thermosphere (85–600+ km)
- Very hot, but it wouldn’t feel hot because the air is super thin.
- Auroras (Northern and Southern Lights) happen here.
- Space shuttles and the International Space Station (ISS) orbit in this layer.
🚀 5. Exosphere (600 km and up)
- The edge of space – very, very thin air.
- Satellites orbit here.
- Slowly fades into outer space.
5
Q
The layer of air immediately adjacent to the earth’s surface is called the
_. Ranging in depth from about 16 km (10 mile) over the equator to about 8 km over the poles, this zone is where most weather events occur. Due to the force of gravity and the compressibility of gases, the troposphere contains about 80% of the total mass of the atmosphere .
- lowest
A
Troposphere
6
Q
extends from the tropopause up to about 50 km. Air temperature in this zone is stable or even increases with higher altitude. Although more dilute than the troposphere, the stratosphere has a very similar composition except two important components: water and ozone
- airplane
A
STatosphere
7
Q
Above the stratosphere, the temperature diminishes again creating it, or the middle layer. The minimum temperature in this region is about negative 80°C.
A
mesosphere
8
Q
At an altitude of 80 km, another abrupt temperature change occurs. This is the beginning of it, a region of highly ionized gases, extending to about 1600 km. Temperatures are very high in the here because molecules there are constantly bombarded by high energy solar & cosmic radiation.
A
THERMOSPHERE
9
Q
may be defined as any atmospheric condition in which certain substances are present in such concentrations that they can produce undesirable effects on man and his environment.
A
Air pollution
10
Q
- is a general term which can refer to: varied characteristics such as
air and water purity or pollution, noise, access to open space, and the visual effects of buildings, and the potential effects which such characteristics may have on physical and mental health (caused by human activities).
A
Environmental quality
11
Q
-
Pollutions from the housingmade materials and living and working activities of the house, such as:natural radiation-radon, domestic combustion-coal gas, and human habitstobacco smoking.
A
Indoor air pollutions
12
Q
- Pollutions from out door services and environmental mixings, such as:
transportation-automobiles, industries-refineries, atomic energy plant- nuclear, and community activities-cleaning of streets.
A
Outdoor air pollutions
13
Q
- Small solid or liquid particles (fine drops or droplets) that are suspended in air.
A
Aerosols
14
Q
- aerosols consist of particles in the solid phase.
A
Dust
15
Q
- aerosols consist of particles in the solid and sometimes also liquid-phase
and the associated gases that result from combustion.
A
Smoke
16
Q
- aerosols of the solid phase of smoke, particularly after it settles into a fine dust.
A
Ash
17
Q
- Small particles, that travel in air and settles or lands on something.
A
Particulates
18
Q
- are polydisperse fine aerosols consisting of solid particles that often aggregate together, so that many little particulates may form one big particle.
A
Fumes
19
Q
is simply the presence of a substance where it should not be or at concentrations above background.
A
Contamination
20
Q
is contamination that results in or can result in adverse biological effects to resident communities. All pollutants are contaminants, but not all contaminants are pollutants.
A
Pollution
21
Q
Indoor vs. Outdoor Air Pollution
A
Indoor air pollution is usually much worse than outdoor air pollution
* Combustion sources: oil, gas, wood, tobacco
* Building materials and furnishings
* Household products: cleaning and personal care
* Household appliances: unvented mechanics, HVAC
* Outdoor sources that get indoors: radon, etc.
Worst in developing countries
* Appliances and products without ventilation
22
Q
T/F
Human have undoubtedly been coping with a certain amount of polluted air ever since primitive Homo sapiens sat crouched by the warmth of a smoky fire in his Paleolithic cave.
A
True
23
Q
T/F
Prior to the 20th Century problems related to air pollution were primarily associated, in public mind at least, with city of London. As early as 17th Century small amount of coal from Newcastle were being shipped in London for fuel.
A
18th Century
24
Q
Criteria Air Pollutants
A
- Carbon monoxide
- Lead
- Ground-level ozone
- Particulate matter
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Sulfur dioxide
25
is a `colorless, nonirritating, odorless, and tasteless gas`. It is found in both outdoor and indoor air.
- capable of damaging human health
- O3 precursor
- emmited whenever fossil fuels and vegetaton are incompletely combusted
--- \/ amount of oxygen
- dizinness, confusion,unconciousness and death
**Carbon monoxide(CO)**
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**What are the harmful effects of carbon monoxide?**
* Breathing at with a high concentration of CO `reduces the amount of oxygen that can be transported in the blood and to vital organs like the lungs and brain.`
* At very high levels, which are possible indoors or in other enclosed environments, CO can cause `dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness and death.`
27
- is a naturally occurring `bluish-gray metal` found in small amounts in the earth's crust.
- can be found in all parts of our environment. Much of it `comes from` human activities including `burning fossil fuels, mining, and manufacturing`.
- persistent in the environment and can be added to soils and sediments through deposition from sources of lead air pollution.
**Lead**
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**What are the harmful effects of lead?**
* Once taken into the body, lead `distributes throughout the body in the blood and is accumulated in the bones`.
* Depending on the level of exposure, lead can adversely `affect the nervous system, kidney function, immune system, reproductive and developmental systems and the cardiovascular system.`
29
forms `just above the earth’s surface` (up to about 2 miles above ground) and impacts human, animal, and plant respiration. Although it is less concentrated than stratospheric ozone, i`ts impacts on human health and welfare make "bad ozone."`
**Ground-level ozone**
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**What are the harmful effects of ozone?**
* Elevated exposures to ozone `can affect sensitive vegetation and ecosystems`, including `forests, parks, wildlife, and wilderness areas`. In particular, ozone can harm sensitive vegetation during the growing season.
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**WHAT ARE THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF GROUND LEVEL OZONE**
* `Ozone in the air we breathe can harm our health, especially on hot sunny days` when ozone can reach unhealthy levels. People at greatest risk of harm from breathing air containing ozone include people with asthma.
32
PM stands for _ (also called **particle pollution**): the term for a `mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air`.
**particulate matter**
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**Particle pollution includes:**
* **PM10**: `inhalable particles`, with diameters that are
generally `10 micrometers and smaller`; can iritate eyes, nose & throat
* **PM2.5**: `fine inhalable particles`, with diameters that are generally `2.5 micrometers and smaller`.
can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing significant health problems
34
**What are the harmful effects of particulate matter?**
* Particulate matter contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they `can be inhaled and cause serious health problems`.
35
is one of a group of highly reactive gases known as oxides of nitrogen or nitrogen oxides (NOx). Other nitrogen oxides include nitrous acid and nitric acid. NO2 is used as the indicator for the `larger group of nitrogen oxides.`
**Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)**
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**WHAT ARE THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF NITROGEN DIOXIDE?**
* Breathing in with a high concentration of NO₂ can `irritate airways in the human respiratory system`. Such exposures over short periods can aggravate respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, leading to respiratory symptoms (such as coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing), hospital admissions and visits to emergency rooms.
* NO₂ and other NO, interact with water, oxygen and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form `acid rain`. Acid rain harms ecosystems such as lakes and forests.
37
is a `colorless gas with a pungent odor`. It is a `liquid` when under pressure, and it `dissolves in water very easily`. Sulfur dioxide in the air comes mainly from activities such as the burning of coal and oil at power plants or from copper smelting. In nature, sulfur dioxide can be released to the air from volcanic eruptions.
**Sulfur dioxide**
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**WHAT ARE THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF SULFUR DIOXIDE?**
* Sulfur dioxide (SO2) primarily harms the respiratory system. Exposure to SO2 can `irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs`. It can cause breathing difficulties, particularly for individuals with asthma, leading to inflammation and respiratory problems like bronchitis. High concentrations can worsen these effects, potentially causing coughing and wheezing. These effects can occur even with short-term exposure. The `severity of effects depend on the SO2 concentration and the duration of exposure.`
39
**`Solutions`
Stationary Source Air Pollution**
**Prevention**
* Burn low-sulfur fuel coal
* Remove sulfur from coal
* Convert coal to a liquid or gaseous fuel
* Shift to less polluting energy sources
**Dispersion or Cleanup**
* Disperse emissions above thermal inversion layer with tall smokestacks
* Remove pollutants after combustion
* Tax each unit of pollution produced
40
**`Solution` Motor Vehicle Air Pollution**
**Prevention**
* Use mass transit
* Walk or bike
* Use less polluting fuels
* Improve fuel efficiency
* Get older, polluting cars off the road
**Cleanup**
* Require emission control devices
* Inspect car exhaust systems twice a year
* Set strict emission standards
41
**Indoor Air Pollution**
**Prevention and Control**
* Prevention: Install indoor air pollution control products, Ban smoking or limit it to ventilated areas, Prevent radon infiltration, Use office machines in well-ventilated areas, Use less polluting substitutes for harmful cleaning agents, paints, and other products
* Cleanup or Dilution: Use adjustable fresh air vents for work spaces, Increase intake of outside air, Change air more frequently, Circulate aird through rooftop or exhaust systems, Use efficient venting systems for wood-burning stoves, Use exhaust hoods for stoves and appliances, burning natural gas
42
**`Solutions`
Air Pollution**
* Improve energy efficiency to reduce fossil fuel use
* Rely more on power plants of renewable energy (especially solar, wind, and wave/ tidal, and solar-photovoltaic hydrogen)
* Transfer energy efficiency, renewable energy, and pollution prevention technologies to developing countries
43
refers to the mix of events that happen each day in our atmosphere including temperature, rainfall and humidity.
**Weather**
44
is described in terms of the mean and variability of temperature, precipitation and wind over a period of time, ranging from months to millions of years.
**Climate**
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# modified t/f
* “The earth's climate is driven by a **intermittent** flow of energy”
* A variation in the **Moon's** output may externally vary the amount of solar radiation received by the Earth’s atmosphere and surface.
* Changes in the concentrations of atmospheric gases, mountain building, volcanic activity, and changes in surface albedo may cause and **internal** variation in the Earth's climate.
* **continuous**
* **Sun’s**
* true
46
is a change in the average temperature and cycles of weather over a long period of time.
Since 1880, scientists have kept thermometer-based records of the global surface temperature.
What is happening to the global temperature?
**Climate change**
47
The planet is becoming warmer; the climate is **not changing**.
**changing**
48
**Why is Climate Change a Problem?**
* Species adapt over millions of years to stable climate conditions.
* A stable climate supports the survival and thriving of living organisms.
* Rapid climate change does not give organisms enough time to adapt.
* This can lead to species struggling to survive or going extinct.
* Climate change disrupts normal weather patterns.
* It increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events (e.g., hurricanes, droughts, floods).
* The rise in global temperature is linked to an increase in natural disasters.
* increase sea levels
49
**Rising sea levels are driven by two main processes:**
1. **Ice Melt:** When the atmosphere and ocean get warmer, ice sheets and glaciers melt, resulting in the addition of fresh water to the ocean.
2. **Thermal Expansion**: As ocean water gets warmer, it expands, causing sea levels to rise.
50
When the atmosphere and ocean get warmer, ice sheets and glaciers melt, resulting in the addition of fresh water to the ocean.
**Ice Melt:**
51
: As ocean water gets warmer, it expands, causing sea levels to rise.
**Thermal Expansion**
52
**What Causes Climate Change?**
* Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
* Methane (CH₄)
* Water vapor (H₂O)
53
**Who Causes Climate Change?**
The **50 least developed countries** are thought to have contributed `1%` of the greenhouse gases that have caused global warming. The **USA**, the **EU**, and **China** alone have contributed around `60%.`
54
**Impact of Climate Change**
* Water resources
* Agriculture and food security
* Forests
* Coastal areas
* Species and natural areas
* Human health
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**Impact on Flora and Fauna**
* Predictability of season
* Bird and fish migration
* Change in plant and animal species diversity
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**Impact on Human Systems**
**Water system**
1. Poor quality
2. Insufficient water supply and unpredictable timing
**Health**
1. Changes in infectious disease vectors
2. Increase heat related mortality
**Agriculture and Forestry**
1. Change in planting pattern
2. Occurrence of pests and diseases
57
**Impact on Natural Systems**
* Enlargement of glacial lakes
* Thinner sea ice
* Short freezing season of lake and river ice
58
is the concept of fairness.
**Justice**
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relates to fairness within a society.
**Social justice**
60
means looking at the climate crisis from the perspective of social justice. Solutions need to not only curb climate change; they need to empower and improve the wellbeing of people too.
**Climate justice**
61
* is the process of turning an idea into a solution that solves a problem.
**Innovation**
62
**COP26:**
* 197 countries have signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
* The UNFCCC aims to prevent dangerous climate change caused by human activity.
* COP stands for **Conference of the Parties**— a regular meeting of the member nations.
* COP26 is the 26th meeting and will be hosted by the UK in Glasgow
* During COP meetings, countries review climate conditions and plan actions to address climate change.
**What Happened Before COP26:**
* At COP21 in 2015 (Paris Agreement), nations agreed to:
* Limit global temperature rise to below 2°C, aiming for 1.5°C.
* Reach net zero emissions by 2050 (balancing emissions with carbon removal).
**Goals and Importance of COP26:**
* Governments must renew their emission reduction plans (NDCs) every five years, each time with greater ambition.
* At COP26, countries are expected to present new NDCs.
* Global CO₂ emissions have continued to rise and are now 62% higher than in 1990.
* To limit warming to 1.5°C, global net CO₂ emissions must fall by 45% from 2010 levels by 2030.
63
**Sustainable development goals**
1. no poverty
1. zero hunger
1. good health and well-being
1. quality education
1. gender equality
1. clean water and sanitation
1. affordable and clean energy
1. decent work and economic growth
1. industry, innovation and infrastructure
1. reduced inequalities
1. sustainable cities and communities
1. responsible consumption and production
1. climate action
1. life below water
1. life on land
1. peace, justice and strong institutions
1. partnerships for the goals
64
is `essential for the existence of all life forms`. In addition to household uses, it is vital for agriculture, industry, fishery and tourism etc.
**Water**
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* is any body of water above ground, including streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs, and creeks. The ocean, despite being saltwater, is also considered as one
**Surface water**
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* has a natural tendency to clean itself as it contains certain organisms that break down pollutants into harmless substances.
* participates in the hydrologic cycle, or water cycle, which involves the movement of water to and from the Earth's surface.
**Surface water**
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The part of precipitation that seeps into the ground as a result of gravity and fills the pores between soil particles and rocks under it is called _.
**ground water**
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* The water bearing layers of soil and rocks are called _
**aquifers**
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* It's in form of wells and springs is often the only source of water supply especially in villages and small towns.
* moves slowly, typically at rates of 7-60 centimeters (3-25 inches) per day in aquifer. As a result, water could remain in an aquifer for hundreds or thousands of years.
**Groundwater**
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is the contamination of water in water bodies such as rivers, oceans, lakes and swamps. This means that one or more substances have built up in water to the extent of causing problems to people, animals and plants.
**Water pollution**
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**WATER POLLUTION - PARAMETERS**
Water may be called polluted when the following parameters stated below reach beyond a specified concentration in water.
1. **Physical parameters** - Color, odor, turbidity, taste, temperature and electrical conductivity constitute the physical parameters and are good indicators of contamination.
2. **Chemical parameters** - These include the amount of carbonates, sulphates, chlorides, fluorides, nitrates, and metal ions. These chemicals form the total dissolved solids, present in water.
3. **Biological parameters** - The biological parameters include matter like algae, fungi, viruses, protozoa and bacteria. The life forms present in water are affected to a good extent by the presence of pollutants.
71
**Water Quality Primary Parameters**
1. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
1. Chloride
1. Colour
1. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
1. Fecal Coliform
1. Nitrate
1. pH
1. Phosphate
1. Temperature
1. Total Suspended Solids
72
* - represents the amount of oxygen consumed by bacteria and other microorganisms while they decompose organic matter under aerobic (oxygen is present) conditions at a specified temperature.
**BIOLOGICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD)**
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* - is a `naturally occuring element that is common in most natural waters` and is most often found as a component of salt (sodium chloride) or in some cases in combination with potassium or calcium.
**CHLORIDE**
74
* - is organic material that has dissolved into solution, while turbidity consists of tiny particles suspended in the water column.
**COLOUR**
75
* - is a `measure of how much oxygen is dissolved in the water` - the amount of oxygen available to living aquatic organisms. The amount of dissolved oxygen in a stream or lake can tell us a lot about its water quality.
**DISSOLVED OXYGEN (DO)**
76
* Total coliforms include bacteria that are found in the soil, in water that has been influenced by surface water, and in human or animal waste.
* are the group of total coliforms that are considered to be present specifically in the gut and feces of warm-blooded animals.
**FECAL COLIFORM**
77
* is a chemical found in most fertilizers, manure, and liquid waste discharged from septic tanks.
**NITRATE**
78
* is a measure of how acidic/basic water is. The range goes from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. pH of less than 7 indicate acidity, whereas a pH of greater than 7 indicates a base. The pH of water is a very important measurement concerning water quality.
**pH**
79
* are chemical compounds that contain phosphorus. Phosphorus is a key nutrient that both plants and animals use for growth and development. With phosphates is essential for plant and animal life, but too much can cause a water body to become eutrophic.
**PHOSPHATE**
80
* is a critical water quality and environmental parameter because it governs the kinds and types of aquatic life, regulates the maximum dissolved oxygen concentration of the water, and influences the rate of chemical and biological reactions.
**TEMPERATURE**
81
* are solids in water that can be trapped by a filter. TSS can include a wide variety of material, such as silt, decaying plant and animal matter, industrial wastes, and sewage. High concentrations of suspended solids can cause many problems for stream health and aquatic life.
**TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS**
82
The well-defined sources that emit pollutants or effluents directly into different water bodies of fresh water are called point sources. Domestic and industrial waste are examples of this type. The point sources of pollution can be effectively checked.
**Point Source Pollution**
82
sources of increase in pollution
**Natural sources**
eg. Siltation
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**Types of Water Pollutants**
1. pathogens
1. organic pollutants
1. inorganic pollutants
1. radioactive
1. heat
1. sediments
82
On the other hand, non-point sources of water pollution are scattered or are spread over large areas. This type of sources deliver pollutants indirectly through environmental changes and account for the majority of the contaminants in streams and lakes.
**Non-point Source Pollution**
82
an increase in the concentration of naturally occurring substances is also termed
**pollution**
83
**Solutions to Water Pollution**
* Prevent groundwater contamination
* Greatly reduce nonpoint runoff
* Reuse treated wastewater for irrigation
* Find substitutes for toxic pollutants
* Work with nature to treat wastewater
* Practice four R’s of resource use (refuse, reduce, recycle, re-use)
* Reduce resource waste
* Reduce air pollution
* Reduce poverty
* Reduce birth rates
83
is the destruction and contamination of the land through the direct and indirect actions of humans. The pollution results in changes to the land, such as soil erosion. Some of the changes are irreversible, while others are not.
**Land pollution**
83
is a serious problem that impacts humans, animals, and the earth.
Without taking measures now to reduce pollution levels, permanent changes to the land can occur. The adverse changes to the environment due to land pollution are subtle, but the problem is much bigger than it appears.
**Land pollution**
84
**Causes of Land Pollution**
1. Deforestation and Soil Erosion
2. Agricultural Chemicals
3. Industrialization
4. Mining
5. Landfills
6. Human Sewage
7. Construction Activities
8. Nuclear Waste
85
Depending on the soil and whether the chemicals were improperly disposed of on the land, the chemicals could end up in the ground water
**leaching**
86
is another form of land pollution. Wherever the upper layer of the soil is damaged. This is caused by the overuse of chemical fertilizers, soil erosion caused by running water and other pest control measures; this leads to loss of fertile land for agriculture, forest cover, fodder patches for grazing, etc.
**Soil pollution**
87
* Where we live!
* Contains most of the air we breathe and all the weather (clouds, rain, snow).
* Gets colder as you go up.
* Planes fly near the top of this layer.
🌍 1. **Troposphere** (0–12 km)
88
* Very dry and stable – great for high-flying jets.
* Ozone layer lives here, protecting us from harmful UV rays.
* Gets warmer with height because the ozone absorbs sunlight.
🌤️ 2. **Stratosphere** (12–50 km)
89
* Very cold – the coldest layer!
* Where meteors burn up, creating shooting stars.
* Hard to study – too high for planes, too low for satellites.
☄️ 3. **Mesosphere** (50–85 km)
90
* Very hot, but it wouldn’t feel hot because the air is super thin.
* Auroras (Northern and Southern Lights) happen here.
* Space shuttles and the International Space Station (ISS) orbit in this layer.
🌌 4. **Thermosphere** (85–600+ km)
91
* The edge of space – very, very thin air.
* Satellites orbit here.
* Slowly fades into outer space.
🚀 5. **Exosphere** (600 km and up)
