Unit 5: Atmosphere & Air
The two most abundant gases in the atmosphere.
Answer: Nitrogen and oxygen
The largest reservoir of water on Earth.
Answer: Oceans
Fossil fuels are nonrenewable because they take this long to form.
Answer: Millions of years
The inability to consistently access enough nutritious food.
Answer: Food insecurity
This international agreement phased out CFCs to protect the ozone layer.
Answer: Montreal Protocol
Gases that trap heat by absorbing and reradiating energy.
Answer: Greenhouse gases
Pollution that comes from a single identifiable source.
Answer: Point source pollution
The fossil fuel that produces the most pollution.
Answer: Coal
Breaking rock into smaller pieces without movement.
Answer: Weathering
This term describes water used indirectly to produce food or products.
Answer: Virtual water
Why is indoor air pollution often more dangerous than outdoor air pollution?
Answer: Pollutants are trapped in enclosed spaces
DOUBLE POINTS
Why does agriculture use so much freshwater?
Answer: Irrigation for crops
DOUBLE POINTS
Why is natural gas considered cleaner than coal?
Answer: It produces less pollution and CO2
DOUBLE POINTS
What environmental problem is caused by fertilizer runoff?
Answer: Eutrophication
DOUBLE POINTS
Burning fossil fuels releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides which lead to this environmental problem.
Answer: Acid rain
DOUBLE POINTS
A city reduces coal use. Which two pollutants will most decrease?
Answer: Sulfur dioxide and particulate matter
STEAL 200 POINTS
Explain one major environmental or social impact of dams.
Answer: Displacement of people or ecosystem disruption
STEAL 300 POINTS
Explain one advantage AND one disadvantage of nuclear energy.
Answer: Low air pollution but produces radioactive waste
STEAL 200 POINTS
Why are CAFOs harmful to the environment?
Answer: Large amounts of concentrated waste
STEAL 200 POINTS
This device in cars reduces nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide emissions.
Answer: Catalytic converter
STEAL 200 POINTS
Explain why temperature inversions worsen air pollution in cities.
Answer: They trap pollutants near the ground
TRIPLE POINTS
Why are people in developing regions more vulnerable to waterborne diseases?
Answer: Lack of sanitation and clean water access
ONLY SELECTING TEAM EARNS POINTS
Why might a country invest in renewable energy even if it is expensive initially?
Answer: Long term sustainability and reduced pollution
TRIPLE POINTS
Explain why crop rotation is beneficial for long term farming.
Answer: It restores soil nutrients and prevents depletion
TRIPLE POINTS
Why does planting trees help reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels?
Answer: Trees absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis
TRIPLE POINTS