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Air Resources and Air Pollution. Our Atmosphere. 17_00CO.JPG. 17_01.JPG. STRUCTURE AND SCIENCE OF THE ATMOSPHERE. The atmosphere consists of several layers with different temperatures, pressures, and compositions. Figure 19-2. Atmospheric pressure (millibars). Temperature. Pressure.
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Air Resources and Air Pollution Our Atmosphere
STRUCTURE AND SCIENCE OF THE ATMOSPHERE • The atmosphere consists of several layers with different temperatures, pressures, and compositions. Figure 19-2
Atmospheric pressure (millibars) Temperature Pressure Thermosphere Mesopause Heating via ozone Mesosphere Altitude (kilometers) Altitude (miles) Stratopause Stratosphere Tropopause Ozone “layer” Heating from the earth Troposphere Pressure = 1,000 millibars at ground level (Sea level) Temperature (˚C) Fig. 19-2, p. 440
STRUCTURE AND SCIENCE OF THE ATMOSPHERE • The atmosphere’s innermost layer (troposphere) is made up mostly of nitrogen and oxygen, with smaller amounts of water vapor and CO2. • The ozone layer (stratosphere) filters out most of the sun’s UV radiation that is harmful to us and most other species.
Chapter Overview Questions • What layers are found in the atmosphere? • What are the major outdoor air pollutants, and where do they come from? • What are two types of smog? • What is acid deposition, and how can it be reduced? • What are the harmful effects of air pollutants? • How can we prevent and control air pollution?
Core Case Study: When Is a Lichen Like a Canary? • Lichens can warn us of bad air because they absorb it as a source of nourishment. Figure 19-1
Core Case Study: When Is a Lichen Like a Canary? • Some lichen species are sensitive to specific air-polluting chemicals. • After Chernobyl, more than 70,000 reindeer had to be killed because they ate highly radioactive lichens. • Because lichens are widespread, long-lived, and anchored in place, they can help track pollution to its source.