All Flashcards
Define Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
A major greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.
Define Particulate Matter (PM).
Tiny particles in the air, like dust, soot, or smoke.
Define VOCs.
Volatile Organic Compounds; contribute to smog and ozone formation.
Define NOx.
Nitrogen oxides; contribute to smog, acid rain, and ground-level ozone.
Define Aerobic Decomposition.
Breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen, releasing CO2.
Define Anaerobic Decomposition.
Breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen, releasing methane (CH4) and CO2.
Define SO2.
Sulfur dioxide; contributes to acid rain and respiratory problems.
Define Greenhouse Gas.
A gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
Define Respiration.
Process where living organisms convert food into energy, releasing CO2.
Define Global Warming.
The long-term heating of Earth's climate system observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth's atmosphere.
Explain the greenhouse effect.
CO2 and other gases trap heat, warming Earth. Too much leads to global warming.
How are CO2 and PM linked?
Burning fossil fuels releases both. Climate change increases wildfires/dust storms, releasing more PM.
What is the role of respiration in the carbon cycle?
Living organisms release CO2 as a byproduct of converting food into energy.
What is the significance of aerobic decomposition?
Recycles carbon in the global carbon cycle, releasing CO2.
Why is anaerobic decomposition important?
Releases methane (CH4) and CO2, contributing to the carbon cycle. CH4 is a potent greenhouse gas.
How do plants contribute to air pollution?
Release VOCs that react with NOx and sunlight to form ground-level ozone.
What is the impact of volcanic ash?
Can be inhaled, damaging respiratory health and infrastructure; disrupts air travel.
What is the impact of forest fires?
Releases PM, CO, VOCs, greenhouse gases, and toxins, harming health and the environment.
What is the effect of CO on human health?
Reduces oxygen absorption, causing headaches and nausea.
How do lightning strikes contribute to air pollution?
Produce NOx and VOCs, contributing to smog, acid rain, and ground-level ozone.
What are the effects of high CO2 levels?
Global warming and climate change.
What are the health effects of particulate matter?
Respiratory issues, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.
What is the effect of sulfur dioxide release from volcanoes?
Contributes to acid rain.
What is the effect of deforestation on CO2 levels?
Reduces carbon sinks, leading to increased atmospheric CO2 levels.
What is the effect of increased methane release?
Contributes to global warming as methane is a potent greenhouse gas.
What are the effects of volcanic eruptions?
Release ash, SO2, CO2, and other gases, affecting air quality, visibility, and climate.
What are the effects of forest fires?
Release PM, CO, VOCs, greenhouse gases, and toxins, harming health and the environment.