Atmosphere Chapter 2

Questions and Answers

Increasing the use of fossil fuels

Using only private cars

Deforestation

Banning Styrofoam cups (correct)

Establishment of the United Nations

Formation of new mountain ranges

Agreement by 154 nations to control greenhouse gases (correct)

Increment in the production of fossil fuels

To facilitate global environmental cooperation (correct)

To decrease the biodiversity on earth

To promote industrialization in developing countries

To increase the use of fossil fuels

Driving motor cars more frequently Signup and view all the answers

Limiting global warming to below 2°C relative to preindustrial levels Signup and view all the answers

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 5.4% Signup and view all the answers

Hydroelectricity, solar power, and wind power Signup and view all the answers

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) Signup and view all the answers

Because it was believed to release gases from the Earth’s interior Signup and view all the answers

Using mass transport systems Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The atmosphere is a blanket of air surrounding the Earth, densest at sea level and thinning rapidly upwards.
Composition: 78.03% Nitrogen, 20.95% Oxygen, 0.93% Argon, 0.03% Carbon dioxide, 0.01% Hydrogen, and 0.05% others.
Atmosphere protects us from the sun's harmful rays and maintains a livable temperature on Earth.

Troposphere: lowest layer, closest to Earth's surface, suitable for human inhabitation, averages 14 km high, contains dust particles and water vapor.
Stratosphere: 2nd layer, extends from tropopause to stratopause, 50 km high, contains ozone layer, absorbs ultraviolet solar radiation.
Mesosphere: 3rd layer, extends from stratopause to 85 km high, lowest temperature, up to -120°C, region of ice clouds.
Thermosphere: 4th layer, extends from mesopause to 690 km high, temperature increases, absorbs solar radiation.
Exosphere: outermost layer, exact height unknown.

Phenomenon where gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and chlorofluorocarbons absorb infrared radiation, warming the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere.
Causes: burning fossil fuels, deforestation, industrialization, and Release of Halogen gases.

Rise in mean global temperature, affecting Earth's surface and ecosystems.
Causes: greenhouse effect, increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, and other human activities.
Effects: melting of ice caps, rise in sea levels, changes in rainfall patterns, extreme weather conditions, and impact on flora and fauna.

Thinning of the ozone layer, allowing harmful ultraviolet radiation to pass through the atmosphere.
Causes: burning of fossil fuels, release of CFCs, and halogen gases.
Effects: skin cancer, cataracts, damage to marine life, and disturbed plant life cycles.

Reduce industrial pollution, conserve forests, minimize use of fossil fuels, and promote eco-friendly practices.
Use hydroelectricity, solar power, wind power, and wave energy.
Implement laws for conservation, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and limit use of private vehicles.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) sets a framework for countries to limit global warming to below 2°C.
The Kyoto Protocol aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5.4%.
The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) facilitates global environmental cooperation between developed and developing countries.