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Summary ESS Topic 6, Atmospheric Systems and Societies
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ESS 1 Iván DezaESS
Topic 6
Iván Deza
,ESS 2 Iván Deza
1. Atmospheric systems and societie ......................................................3
Atmosphere is a dynamic system.............................................................3
Changes over geological time. .................................................................3
Atmospheric Gases ..................................................................................3
Variations in composition with altitude .....................................................4
2. The Earths Energy Budge ......................................................................4
3. Human Activities and Atmospheric Compositio .................................5
Role of the UNEP ......................................................................................5
4. Photochemical Smo ...............................................................................6
E ects of Photochemical Smog ...............................................................6
Factors that contribute to the formation of smog. ...................................7
Re ection ..................................................................................................7
5. Acid Depositio ........................................................................................7
Causes ......................................................................................................7
E ects .......................................................................................................8
Solutions ...................................................................................................8
Question ........................................................................................................9
,ESS 3 Iván Deza
1. Atmospheric systems and societies
Atmosphere is a dynamic system
The atmosphere is both influenced by the biosphere and influences the biosphere. It consists of nitrogen,
oxygen and CO2. If the biosphere was removed, the atmospheric composition would drastically change for
worse. The current atmosphere has been strongly influenced by plant life. Oxygen levels would be 1000
times smaller than they currently are. Vegetation uses solar radiation to photosynthesize, thereby converting
CO2 into carbon and free oxygen gas. Carbon eventually combines with other elements to produce wood and
leaves. Biomass absorbs atmospheric CO2 throughout its lifetime and releases it when burnt. Most CO2 is
contained in rocks.
Changes over geological time.
Fluctuation of the CO2 level and temperature throughout the history of Earth. The dynamic system of the
atmosphere has evolved over time. It continues to change as a result of natural and humans. Involved
processes. Ocean microflora supply 70% of the world oxygen and help maintain the ozone layer. The
atmosphere today contains about 400 ppm (parts per million) CO2. Currently CO2 levels are rising due to
human activity.
Humans have added 2,7 Gt of Carbon to the atmosphere every year. Temperatures have also been rising.
- The onset of global industrialization and the subsequent production of pollution derived from fossil
fuels.
- Deforestation
- Volcanic Activity
- Sunspot activity
The first two points assume a link between CO2 emissions and temperature increase. Last two suggest
possible natural phenomena that may have increased temperatures. Most scientists make the assumption that
the increase in temperatures is caused MAINLY by natural activity.
Atmospheric Gases
The atmosphere contains a mix of gases, liquids and solids. Atmospheric gases in the lower atmosphere are
held close to the earth by gravity.
Nevertheless there are important spatial and temporal variations in the atmospheric composition. Besides
nitrogen, oxygen and argon and CO2 , there are other important gases such as helium and methane. Changes
in the amount of CO2 is having an effect in global warming and the destruction of the ozone layer, which is
having an important effect on the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth’s surface.
, ESS 4 Iván Deza
The atmosphere also contains moisture. Most water is held in lower 10-15 km of the atmosphere. In addition
there are solids such as dust, ash, soot and salt. These allow condensation to occur dealing to precipitation.
Large concentration of solids cause an increase in fog, smog, haze and/or precipitation.
Variations in composition with altitude
Turbulence and mixing produces fairly similar ”air”. High altitudes marked concentrations of certain gases
occur. For example, between 25-35 km there is a concentration of ozone. Which is significant enough to lead
to an increase in atmospheric temperatures in this region and have a role ins stopping ultraviolet light.
Significant Concentrations:
• Nitrogen at 100-200 km
• Oxygen at 200-1100 km
• Helium at 1100-3500 km
• Hydrogen above 3500 km
The concentrations of gases have an important effect on changes in temperature through the atmosphere.
2. The Earths Energy Budget
The Earth’s energy is mostly derived from the Sun. In some places there may be important local sources of
energy such as heat islands in urban areas and geotermal heat in tectonic regions. Solar energy is received by
the Earth and its atmosphere and transformed in a number of processes.
Of the solar energy:
• 46% is absorbed by the Earth
• 22% drives through the hydrological cycle
• 1% powers the winds and ocean currents
• 31% is reflected to space
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