BIOL 111 Study Guide - Final Guide: Volatile Organic Compound, Smog, Peroxyacyl Nitrates
16 Mar 2016
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The troposphere (0-17 km) recycles matter and is responsible for weather/climate. The stratosphere (17-48 km) has less water vapour and more ozone (o3). Stratospheric ozone is produced when o2 interacts with uv radiation emitted by the sun. In high enough concentrations, any chemical can become a pollutant. We have been increasing co2 concentrations in the troposphere by burning fossil fuels. The troposphere is warming due to human activities. Rain and snow (cities with wet climates are less prone to photochemical smog). Salty sea spray, which can wash out particles from the air than flow into the oceans. Winds, which can help sweep pollutants away, dilute them, and bring in fresh air: four factors help increase outdoor air pollution: Urban buildings, which can slow wind speed and reduce dilution and removal of pollutants. Hills and mountains, which allow pollutant levels to build up in valleys. High temperatures, which promote the chemical reactions leading to smog formation.
