GEOG 101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Tropospheric Ozone, Cardiovascular Disease, Polar Vortex
Document Summary
Chapter 3: introduction to the atmosphere: size and composition of the atmosphere. Air: a mixture of gases and particles (mainly nitrogen and oxygen) fewer air molecules higher you go, a specific portion of the atmosphere, a distinct set of gases. Atmosphere: an ocean of air held to the surface by gravity extends out at least. 10000 km and downward into caves and crevices in rocks/soil; most of atmosphere concentrated at surface (density decreases with increasing altitude); atmos. supports life on earth. Permanent gases are unvarying (nitrogen: over 78%, oxygen: 20. 946%, argon: nearly. 1%) these gases have little effect on weather/climate. Nitrogen is added to air by the decay and burning of organic matter/volcanic eruptions/chemical breakdown of certain rocks; washed out in rain/snow (creates equilibrium) Variable gases are small and of variable quantity main ones are water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone, and particulates/aerosols.
