Earth's Atmosphere

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At what height above the Earth's surface does the atmosphere extend to?

5000 km

1000 km

100 km

500 km (correct)

What is the primary source of molecular oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere?

Photosynthesis in blue-green bacteria, algae, and green plants (correct)

Volcanic emissions

Water vapor concentrations

Atmospheric aerosols

What is the main component of clean, dry air?

Carbon and sulfur

Hydrogen and helium

Oxygen and helium

Nitrogen and oxygen (correct)

What was the likely composition of the Earth's earliest atmosphere?

Mainly lightweight hydrogen and helium Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of atmospheric aerosols?

Capturing, distributing, or reflecting energy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ecosystem services is NOT provided by the atmosphere?

Produces molecular oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of ozone in the stratosphere?

To absorb certain wavelengths of ultraviolet solar radiation, known as UV-B Signup and view all the answers

Why is ozone a pollutant near the earth's surface?

Because it damages living tissues, causing skin cancer and genetic mutations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference in composition between the stratosphere and the troposphere?

The stratosphere has nearly 1,000 times more ozone Signup and view all the answers

What was the target year for the phase-out of methyl chloroform in developed countries?

2005 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer?

To reduce the production and consumption of ozone depleting substances Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of UV-B radiation on living tissues?

It damages living tissues, causing skin cancer and genetic mutations Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the Copenhagen Amendment on the phase-out of ODSs?

It significantly accelerated the phase-out of ODSs. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Kigali Amendment?

To extend controls to phase down the production and consumption of HFCs. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the London Amendment to the Montreal Protocol?

The complete phase-out of CFCs, halons, and carbon tetrachloride by 2000 in developed countries Signup and view all the answers

What was the cap set on the consumption of methyl bromide?

1991 levels Signup and view all the answers

What substances were used as pesticides and deplete stratospheric ozone?

Bromine compounds and chlorofluorocarbons Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of bromochloromethane in the context of ozone depletion?

It was added to the list of controlled substances with phase-out targeted for 2004. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is the result of the natural carbon cycle?

93% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere?

Natural sources as part of the sulfur cycle Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a greenhouse gas?

Nitrous oxide Signup and view all the answers

What is the byproduct of nitrogen and oxygen gas in air reacting at high combustion temperatures?

Nitric oxide Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for nitrogen oxides and nitric acid?

NOX Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of carbon monoxide?

Motor vehicle exhaust, burning of forests and grasslands, tobacco smoke, and open fires and inefficient stoves used for cooking Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of human-generated pollutants?

Burning of fossil fuels Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the type of smog resulting from burning coal?

Gray-air smog Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of photochemical smog formation in urban areas?

Morning commuter traffic Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the type of smog resulting from the interaction of sunlight and vehicle exhaust?

Photochemical smog Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern associated with acid deposition?

Regional air pollution Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the process of pollutants being deposited on the earth's surface?

Acid deposition Signup and view all the answers