12-1 What is the nature of the atmosphere?
The atmosphere is made up of the several layers of air that surround the planet and contribute to the earth’s climate, influenced by solar radiation, seasonal temperature and precipitation changes, rotation of the earth, and air/water properties. CONCEPT 12-1 The atmosphere is structured in layers, including the troposphere, which supports life, and the stratosphere, which contains the protective ozone layer.
1.
Distinguish between the earth's troposphere and stratosphere.
2.
Distinguish between weather and climate. List seven factors that influence climate.
3.
Describe the greenhouse effect and what the earth would be like without a greenhouse effect. State the two predominant greenhouse gases and indicate which one has fluctuated in a pattern closely correlated with atmospheric temperature fluctuations.
12-2 What are the major outdoor air pollution problems?
Indoor and outdoor air pollution directly affects man and the environment in primary and secondary pollutants.
Outdoor air pollution has been greatly reduced in the United States, but more must be done through governmental requirements and/or marketplace forces.
CONCEPT 12-2 Pollutants mix in the air to form industrial smog, resulting mostly from burning coal, and photochemical smog, caused by motor vehicle, industrial, and power plant emissions.
4.
Define air pollution. Distinguish between a primary pollutant and a secondary pollutant.
5.
Distinguish between photochemical smog and industrial smog. Describe a thermal inversion.
12-3 What is acid deposition and why is it a problem?
Acid deposition/acid rain is composed of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulates, and can be transmitted for long distances. CONCEPT 12-3 Acid deposition is caused mainly by coal-burning power plant and motor vehicle emissions; in some regions, it threatens human health, aquatic life and ecosystems, forests, and human-built structures.
6.
Define acid deposition . Briefly describe how acid deposition can affect buildings, vegetation, soil, aquatic organisms, and humans.
12-4 Why is indoor air pollution a major problem?
Indoor air pollution can compromise your health and is a greater threat than outdoor pollution. CONCEPT 12-4 The major indoor air pollutants are smoke and soot from wood and coal fires (mostly in developing countries) and chemicals used in building materials and products, all of which threaten human health.
7.
List the four most dangerous indoor air pollutants. Briefly describe how the body tries to protect itself from damage caused by air pollution. What are some of the consequences of prolonged or acute exposure to air pollution?
12-5 How should we deal with air pollution?
CONCEPT 12-5 Legal, economic, and technological tools can help to clean up air pollution, but much greater emphasis should be focused on preventing air pollution.
8.
Briefly describe the EPA’s outdoor air pollution control strategies. Describe in detail the 1990 strategy to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions. List five policies that would strengthen the Clean Air Act.
9.
List five ways to reduce indoor air pollution. Describe strategies to implement an integrated approach to protecting the atmosphere.
12-6 How might the earth’s temperature and climate change in the future and with what effects?
Temperature and climate change have always affected the earth; but human activities are now affecting climate more intensely. Climate change may be accelerated by additional factors: carbon dioxide absorption in the world’s oceans; rising sea levels; and increasing cloud cover, air pollution, and production of methane gas. Climate change that is gradual is not a threat; however, climate change that is rapid will present huge challenges because man’s understanding of the complex climate system is incomplete. Climate change and its effects will significantly impact human life, wildlife, and the world’s economies. CONCEPT 12-6A Evidence indicates that the earth’s atmosphere is warming, mostly because of human activities, and that this will lead to significant climate change during this century. CONCEPT 12-6B The projected rapid change in the atmosphere’s temperature could have severe and

long-lasting consequences, including increased drought and floods, shifts in locations of agriculture and wildlife habitats, and rising sea levels.
10.
Describe the pattern of Earth’s average surface temperature fluctuation of geologic time.
11.
Summarize scientific consensus about future global warming. List 10 uncertainties of global climate models.
12.
Summarize the projections of possible effects of global warming on food production, water supplies, forests, biodiversity, sea levels, weather, and human health.
12-7 What can we do to slow climate change?
Climate change affects the entire planet; it will be long-term; impacts vary from region to region; economic realities affect responses to the expected change. A growing number of countries and cities are seeking to offset or adapt to climate change, but the degradation of natural capital will have long-term effects. Human activities’ effect on climate change can be mitigated by using renewable energy, by not wasting energy, and by limiting the amount of carbon dioxide we produce. CONCEPT 12-7 We can slow the rate of global warming and climate change by sharply reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, relying more on renewable energy resources, and slowing population growth.
13.
Name and briefly describe two basic approaches to potential global warming. Describe three ways to slow global warming. List three ways to adapt to global warming.
12-8 How have we depleted ozone in the stratosphere and what can we do about it?
There is clear danger from the threat of ozone depletion. To reduce ozone depletion we must stop producing all ozone-depleting chemicals. CONCEPT 12-8A Widespread use of certain chemicals has reduced ozone levels in the stratosphere, which has allowed more harmful ultraviolet radiation to reach the earth’s surface.
CONCEPT 12-8B
To reverse ozone depletion, we must stop producing ozone-depleting chemicals, and adhere to the international treaties that ban such chemicals.
14. Summarize and assess the controversy over formation of the ozone hole. Explain the causes and potential effects of stratospheric ozone changes. Propose three ways for slowing these changes.