Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following measures can help to reduce industrial pollution and global warming?
Which of the following measures can help to reduce industrial pollution and global warming?
What was a significant outcome of the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992?
What was a significant outcome of the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992?
What is the primary purpose of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF)?
What is the primary purpose of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF)?
Which action is NOT recommended for reducing carbon monoxide in the air?
Which action is NOT recommended for reducing carbon monoxide in the air?
Signup and view all the answers
What major agreement was reached at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)?
What major agreement was reached at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the agreement achieved by the Kyoto Protocol?
What was the agreement achieved by the Kyoto Protocol?
Signup and view all the answers
Which renewable energy sources are recommended to reduce global warming?
Which renewable energy sources are recommended to reduce global warming?
Signup and view all the answers
Which greenhouse gas is specifically mentioned to be reduced in the recommendations?
Which greenhouse gas is specifically mentioned to be reduced in the recommendations?
Signup and view all the answers
Why was the origin of Earth's atmosphere linked to volcanic outgassing?
Why was the origin of Earth's atmosphere linked to volcanic outgassing?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a recommended alternative to using personal motor cars to reduce carbon monoxide emissions?
What is a recommended alternative to using personal motor cars to reduce carbon monoxide emissions?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Atmosphere
- 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.
Layers of the Atmosphere
- 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.
Greenhouse Effect
- 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.
Global Warming
- 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.
Ozone Depletion
- 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.
Ways to Reduce Global Warming
- 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.
International Efforts
- 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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers the composition and structure of the atmosphere, including the greenhouse effect, global warming, and ozone depletion. Test your knowledge of the troposphere, stratosphere, and more!
