HUMAN IMPACT ON THE ATMOSPHERE

Human Impact Unlike all other points in Earth’s History, many

scientists today believe that humans have the potential to alter the overall composition of the atmosphere Anthropogenic

Deforestation

• Deforestation-when trees are removed and not replanted• When they burn carbon is converted to carbon dioxide

• Leads to an increase in greenhouse gases

Ozone

Ozone is a gas(O3) that exists in the Stratosphere

Protects us from ultraviolet radiation

Is beginning to thin out due to chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere

Smog

Smog is an atmospheric pollutant composed of an unhealthy mixture of gases Caused by the reaction of sunlight

with other air pollutants(CO, NO etc.)

Acid Rain Acid Precipitation=

Precipitation with a pH less than 7

Caused by reaction of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides with water vapor

Forms Sulfuric and Nitric Acid

Ocean Acidification Ocean acidification is the process where carbon

dioxide given off by humans becomes dissolved in oceans This causes the pH to drop and become more acidic Can have a devastating effect on marine ecosystems

Microclimates Microclimates are localized climates that differ

from the regional climate in which it is foundAsphalt in cities storing heat

Heat Island-Temperatures in cities that are warmer than its surround rural area

Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA is

considered to be the smoggiest and most polluted city in the United StatesAlso suffers from

ground level ozone Can cause respiratory illness

Clean Air Act Clean Air Act-Federal

legislation designed to control air pollution on a federal level

Hybrid Vehicles-Cars that use both a combustion engine and an electric motor for energyGive off less emissions