IB ESS Topic 6: Atmospheric Systems and Society

atmosphere - Answer- a dynamic system of inputs, outputs, storages and flows the air - the zones between the lithosphere and space (about 1,100km deep) current atmospheric composition - Answer- 21% oxygen 78% nitrogen 0.04% carbon dioxide <1% others (argon and other gases) troposphere - Answer- the atmosphere from 0km to 10km above sea level stratosphere - Answer- the atmosphere from 10km to 50km above sea level bubbles trapped in ice - Answer- a way of measuring atmospheric conditions in the past - looking at composition of the trapped air the greenhouse effect - Answer- a natural and necessary phenomenon maintaining suitable temperatures for life on Earth light from the sun passes through the atmosphere > 50% is absorbed > the Earth heats up > infrared heat is radiated from Earth > greenhouse gases reflect this heat back to Earth greenhouse gases (GHG) - Answer- water vapour, carbon dioxide and methane = the main ones stratospheric ozone - Answer- a key component of the atmosphere which provides protection for living things from UV radiation from the sun - aka "the ozone layer" ozone - Answer- O3 - found in two layers: GOOD - the stratosphere BAD - the troposphere ultraviolet radiation (UV) effects on life - Answer- - genetic mutation and subsequent effects on health - damage to living tissue - cataract formation on eyes - skin cancer - suppression of the immune system - damage to photosynthetic organisms, especially phytoplankton - damage to consumers of photosynthetic organisms, especially zooplankton ultraviolet radiation (UV) bene