Atmospheric Layers and Processes
atmosphere
the layer of gases that surrounds a planet, moon, or other celestial body
primary pollutants
harmful substances directly released into the air from a source, such as vehicles, factories, or wildfires.
nitric acid
strong, corrosive acid that is commonly used in industries for manufacturing fertilizers, explosives, and chemicals.
ozone layer
a region of the Earth's stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O₃). It absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, protecting life on Earth.
clean air act
U.S. law aimed at controlling air pollution by setting standards for emissions from industries and vehicles, protecting public health and the environment.
troposphere
the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, directly above the surface, weather phenomena occurs here
secondary pollutants
harmful substances that are not directly emitted into the air but are formed when primary pollutants react with each other or with elements in the atmosphere.
sulfur dioxide
a colorless gas produced by burning fossil fuels containing sulfur, like coal and oil.
ozone depletion (stratospheric)
refers to the thinning of the ozone layer in the stratosphere, caused by chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
emissions trading (cap and trade)
a system where a limit (cap) is set on total emissions, and companies can buy or sell allowances to emit pollutants.
stratosphere
second layer of Earth's atmosphere, located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere.
industrial smog (gray-air smog)
a type of air pollution that is typically found in areas with heavy industrial activity and high coal or wood burning.
sulfuric acid
a strong, corrosive acid used in industry for manufacturing fertilizers, chemicals, and in petroleum refining. It forms when sulfur dioxide reacts with water.
acid deposition (dry vs. wet)
the process by which acidic substances fall from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.
Wet deposition: Acidic rain, snow, or fog formed when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) mix with water vapor.
Dry deposition: Acidic particles and gases (like sulfuric acid and nitric acid) settle on surfaces without moisture.
radon
a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium in soil and rocks.
weather
the condition of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, including factors like temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation
photochemical smog (brown-air smog)
a type of air pollution that forms when sunlight reacts with pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), creating harmful chemicals such as ozone (O3).
volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
a group of chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. They are found in products like paints, solvents, and fuels and can contribute to air pollution and smog.
temperature inversion
occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air beneath it, preventing the usual upward movement of air.
air pollution
the presence of harmful substances in the air, such as gases, chemicals, and particulate matter, which can harm health, the environment, and the climate.
climate
the long-term average of weather conditions in a particular region over a long period, typically 30 years or more.
suspended particulate matter (SPM)
refers to tiny solid particles or liquid droplets that are suspended in the air.
peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs)
harmful air pollutants formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in sunlight.
indoor air pollution
refers to harmful substances in the air inside buildings, such as tobacco smoke, mold, dust, and chemicals from cleaning products, which can cause health problems.
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