Advanced Biology
Standard 9-12.E.1.2 Explain how atmospheric chemistry may affect global climate.
Critical Thinking Questions 18.1-18.2
Assigned and due 2/28
Points Earned _19_ = __95%
Possible 20
Lots of errors on sentence structure (-1), but good answers
1. The Asian Brown Cloud exists mainly in southern and eastern Asia and some people blame
Asians for its existence. Others argue that its causes, as well as its effects, are global in nature.
(4 pt) 4/4
a. What is your position on this? I blame Asians too because they are the ones causing the
cloud………. But then again it is our fault too in a way because we buy the stuff that causes
all that pollution and if we buy more they produce more so its EVERYBODYS fault.
b. Explain your reasoning: just think about it and look at my answer to question A.
2. Describe how the troposphere and stratosphere differ. (2 pt) 2/2
the (capitalize your beginning of sentences) troposphere contains 75-80% of the earths air mass and
only extends 11 miles above sea level. The stratosphere is 11 to 30 miles above sea level and
contains a lot less air mass with a lot higher concentration of ozone.
3. Summarize the history of air pollution: (2 pt) 2/2
Great answer Chris, but please work on your sentence structure.
In the late 1700s (needs comma here) pollution got worse as factories and homes used coal to
heat and run their factories (needs comma here) which caused something like a fog that was
thick as pea soup. In the 1880s (needs comma here) an estimated 2200 people died from the
prolonged coal fog. In 1905 (needs comma here) people came up with the name smog for the
fog which caused an episode in London that killed more than 110 people. In 1952 (needs comma
here) a yellow fog appeared and killed 4000-12000 people in London. Laws were finally passed
and people appeared to get better even though some still had asthma.
4. China relies on coal for 70% of its commercial energy usage, partly because the country has
abundant supplies of this resource. Yet China’s coal burning has caused innumerable and
growing problems for China and neighboring countries, and now, because of the Asian Brown
Cloud, for the Pacific Ocean and west coast of North America. Do you think China is justified in
developing this resource to the maximum, as other countries have done with their coal
resources? Explain. (2 pt) 2/2
there’s (capitalize your beginning of sentences) too many people in china to use this resource so
much needs comma here) which causes the cloud over Asia so they should find another source of
energy like wind energy. (I agree )
Advanced Biology
Standard 9-12.E.1.2 Explain how atmospheric chemistry may affect global climate.
5. What are China’s alternatives? (1 pt) 1/1
electricity (capitalize your beginning of sentences) and wind power from those giant fan thingy’s !!!
6. Describe a chemical, AND a biological method for detecting air pollutants. (1 pt) 1/1
the (capitalize your beginning of sentences) biological method is looking at lichen. The chemical one
is they focus on their concentration of the chemical and temperatures at altitudes. Great answer!
7. Photochemical smog is largely the result of motor vehicle emissions. Considering your use, now
and in the future, of motor vehicles, what are three ways in which you could reduce your
contribution to photochemical smog? (3 pt) 3/3
I would buy a little ugly prius (capitalize your names!) for the first option. The second option
would be a stupid electric toy car that you have to charge up. The third and most ugly option
would be to ride horse everywhere. I don’t agree with you here  Smog is WAY uglier than
any of these options.
There are some errors here - But otherwise great answers!!!
8. List and briefly describe five natural factors that help to reduce outdoor air pollution, AND six
natural factors that help worsen it. (5 pt) 5/5
Natural Factors That Worsen- Volcanoes erupt and when they do they cause a lot of ashes to go
into the air which make it hard to breathe. Hurricanes hit coastal areas that are already close to
the ocean that is normally really wet year around so when the hurricanes hit they cause massive
flooding. Earthquakes cause a lot of soil erosion and tears down trees that are anywhere near
the earthquake and they hurt the landscape by a lot by forming cliffs and hills that aren’t
normally there. Tsunamis hit beaches and with all the water from the sea it pushes sand and
sediment into ponds and streams. Tornados pull trees up out of the ground and without trees
we won’t have oxygen (needs comma here) because trees turn the carbon dioxide into the
oxygen that we breathe. Wild fires burn plants and trees that help us breathe, eat, and animals
eat. The wild fires also put a lot of smoke into the atmosphere that makes the ozone get even
higher.
Natural Factors That Reduce- 1.particles heavier than air settle out as a result of gravitational
attraction to the earth. 2. rain and snow help cleanse the air of pollutants. 3. salty sea spray
from the oceans wash out much of the particulates and other water-soluble pollutants from air
that flows from land over the oceans. 4. winds sweep pollutants away, diluting them by mixing
them with cleaner air, and bringing in fresh air. 5. some pollutants are removed by chemical
reactions like SO2 can react with O2 in the atmosphere to form SO3, which reacts with water
vapor to form droplets of H2SO4 that fall out of the atmosphere as acid precipitation.
Advanced Biology
Standard 9-12.E.1.2 Explain how atmospheric chemistry may affect global climate.
Investigative Lab - Due Before May 1st (10 pt)
Read Science Focus: Detecting Air Pollutants on p 475
Investigate rocks, trees, and buildings in the area where you live for the presence of various
lichens. Use their presence, color, and type to identify high-and low-pollution areas, and explain
your reasoning.