Topic 6: Atmospheric systems and societies

(10 hours)

6.1 Introduction to the atmosphere

6.2 Stratospheric ozone

6.3 Photochemical smog

6.4 Acid deposition

By the end of Subtopic 6.1 – Introduction to the atmosphere, you should be able to:

• Describe how the earth’s atmosphere has changed over time.
• Explain the role of biota in influencing the composition of the earth’s atmosphere.
• Discuss why the earth is a dynamic system.
• Identify the main gases present in the atmosphere.
• Discuss how human activity impacts on the composition of the earth’s atmosphere.
• Draw and label a sketch diagram of the how the atmosphere temperature changes with altitude.
• Describe each layer within the atmosphere.
• Explain why temperature changes with altitude within the earth’s atmosphere.
• Explain how the greenhouse effect regulates the earth’s temperature.
• Identify the main greenhouse gases.
• Outline what is meant by the ‘albedo effect’.

By the end of Subtopic 6.2 - Stratospheric ozone, you should be able to:

• Outline how in the absence of pollution, stratospheric ozone provides an example of a dynamic equilibrium.
• Explain the effects of depleting stratospheric ozone.
• Identify the units used to measure stratospheric ozone.
• Discuss the threats to stratospheric ozone.
• Explain why seasonal changes occur in stratospheric ozone over the Polar Regions.
• Discuss the approaches taken to reduce stratospheric ozone depletion.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Montreal Protocol.
• Discuss the role of the UN in protecting stratospheric ozone.

By the end of Subtopic 6.3 - Photochemical smog, you should be able to:

• Outline sources of urban air pollution.
• Distinguish between primary and secondary air pollutants.
• Outline the formation of photochemical smog.
• Explain the factors that contribute to the formation of photochemical smog.
• Describe the impact of photochemical smog.
• Evaluate management strategies used to reduce photochemical smog.
• Distinguish between photochemical smog and industrial smog.
• Discuss how urban air pollution can cause economic loss.

By the end of Subtopic 6.4 - Acid deposition, you should be able to:

• Identify pollution precursors of acid deposition.
• Describe the main sources of acid deposition.
• Distinguish between wet and dry acid deposition.
• Explain why the impact of acid deposition can occur far from the source of pollution and be a cross border issue.
• Discuss the impacts of acid deposition.
• Evaluate pollution management strategies to reduce acid deposition.
• Outline method used to clean up and restore acidified lakes.