1) Carbon dioxide and water combined typically make up 1-3% ofour atmosphere, and yet, we are constantly monitoring theatmospheric content of CO2 and H2O. Why? Explain why they vary fromhour to hour and why they are such important gases in ouratmosphere despite the fact that they are not the top three gasesin our atmosphere.
(2) With one exception, the relative concentrations ofatmospheric gases do not change with height. Indicate thisexception, its concentration patterns, and reasons why this is thecase.
(3) The atmosphere is in constant motion. Why? What is thegeneral pattern of airflow? Explain why there is this generalpattern of airflow and why atmospheric gases don’t simply flow intoouter space.
(4) The composition of the Earth’s atmosphere has changed in thepast 200 years. What are/were the major changes in our atmosphericcomposition?
(5) Name the top ten air pollutants we presently regulate. Isthere a common source for these top ten pollutants? If so, what isit? What percentage of our atmospheric gases do these top tenregulated gases make up?
(5) Name the top ten air pollutants we presently regulate. Isthere a common source for these top ten pollutants? If so, what isit? What percentage of our atmospheric gases do these top tenregulated gases make up?
(6) Identify the sinks for the following molecules and thetransformation of the molecules due to the sink.
Molecule
Sink for molecule
Form of molecule after sink used
SO2
CO2
O3
NO2
(7) Identify two factors that affect the lifetime of pollutantsin the atmosphere, and explain how these two factors affectpollutant lifetime. Why should you be aware of it
(8) When fossil fuel is burned, many different types ofcarbon-based molecules can be emitted. Of all carbon-basedemissions, carbon dioxide is the best-case scenario given what willoccur to the other carbon-based emissions. Explain why you agree ordisagree with the previous statement and the consequence of thisfact.
(9) The CAA dealt with both stratospheric and tropospheric ozoneissues. Explain what emissions the CAA limited to address these twoissues. It would be helpful to fill in the following table:
Emissions in CAA which addressed stratospheric ozoneissue (10) A colleague comments to you that the ozone hole must begetting worse since we are having so many ozone alert days. Howwould you gently correct this misconception of your colleague inrelating ozone alert days with the ozone hole? | Emissions in CAA which addressed tropospheric ozoneissue |
