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Chapter 19: Problem 2

Describe the origins of industrial smog, photochemical smog, and atmospheric brown clouds. What are the differences in the cause and appearance of each?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Industrial smog originates from industries burning high-sulfur coal or oil and it appears gray. Photochemical smog is a result of the interaction of sunlight with certain chemicals like nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds, appearing brown. Atmospheric brown clouds are caused by a mix of pollutants (like soot or dust), they absorb and scatter solar radiation affecting climate and human health, and they appear brown.

Step by step solution

01

Definition and origin of Industrial Smog

Industrial smog, also known as gray smog', is produced as a result of burning high-sulfur coal or oil, particularly in power plants and industrial manufacturing factories. Its color is mainly due to the presence of sulfur dioxides and particulate matter, including soot. It typically appears gray.
02

Definition and origin of Photochemical Smog

Photochemical smog, often termed 'brown smog', is created by the interaction of sunlight with certain chemicals in the atmosphere. Primary culprits include nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds, often emitted by vehicles and industrial processes. The sun's rays instigate a chemical reaction that yields a brown, hazy blanket of smog.
03

Definition and origin of Atmospheric Brown Clouds

Atmospheric Brown Clouds are a layer of air pollution containing aerosols such as soot or dust that absorb as well as scatter incoming solar radiation, leading to regional and global climatic effects and posing risks to human health and food security. These are typically caused by a mix of pollutants from various sources, such as fossil fuels, biomass burning, and industrial processes.
04

Comparison of causes and appearances

Industrial smog is largely due to emissions from industrial activities and the burning of high-sulfur fossil fuels, it appears gray. Photochemical smog, on the other hand, is a result of certain chemicals reacting with sunlight, and it typically appears brown. Lastly, Atmospheric Brown Cloud is a mix of varied pollutants from multiple sources, and as the name implies, appears brown.

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