Transcript Guided Notes on Human Impact on Air Resources

Guided Notes on Human
Impact on Air Resources
Chapter 27, Section 3
1. Smog is a photochemical haze caused
by the action of solar radiation on an
atmosphere polluted by hydrocarbons
and nitrogen oxides mostly from
automobile exhaust.
2. The major chemical in smog is
ozone (O3), a gas molecule
made up of three oxygen
atoms.
3. Ground-level ozone is produced
when combinations of air
pollutants are exposed to sunlight.
4. The ozone layer in the stratosphere
serves as a protective shield as it
absorbs and filters out harmful
ultraviolet radiation, which has been
linked to eye damage and skin cancer.
5. Since the 1980’s, atmospheric studies
have indicated a thinning of the ozone
layer, especially over Antarctica. This
depletion is entirely a result of human
activity.
6. Acid precipitation is defined as
precipitation with a pH less than 5.0.
It forms when sulfur dioxide and
nitrogen oxides combine with
atmospheric moisture to create
sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
Explain how coal-burning power plants
can cause acid precipitation:
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These plants burn coal that contains the
mineral pyrite (FeS2).
The sulfur is released as sulfur dioxide
when coal is burned, and it combines
with moisture in clouds to produce acid
precipitation.
State the numerous harmful
effects of acid precipitation:
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It damages aquatic ecosystems and
vegetation
It changes the pH of plants and soil
It damages stone buildings and statues
by accelerating the rate of weathering