Chapter 5: Problem 12

Ozone and carbon dioxide each make up only a fraction of a percent of our atmosphere. Why, then, should we be concerned about small increases or decreases in the atmospheric abundance of these gases?

Short Answer

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Answer: Small changes in the atmospheric concentration of ozone and carbon dioxide are significant because they can lead to substantial impacts on the Earth's environment and living beings. Ozone depletion allows more harmful UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface, causing health issues and ecological damage. An increase in CO2 concentration leads to global warming and climate change, resulting in environmental consequences such as sea level rise and extreme weather events. These changes highlight the importance of monitoring gas levels and adopting sustainable practices to mitigate human-induced alterations.

Step by step solution

Introduce ozone and carbon dioxide

Ozone (O3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are two vital gases present in Earth's atmosphere, even though they are present in trace amounts. Ozone protects Earth from harmful solar radiation, while carbon dioxide plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's temperature by trapping heat.

Role of ozone in the atmosphere

Ozone forms a layer in the stratosphere, about 10-50 km from the Earth's surface. It acts as a shield, absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This radiation is dangerous for living beings, causing skin cancer, eye damage, and impairing the immune system, along with damaging crops and marine life.

Role of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, helps regulate the Earth's temperature by trapping heat in the atmosphere. The natural greenhouse effect supports life on our planet. However, excessive CO2 levels in the atmosphere can lead to an enhanced greenhouse effect, causing global warming and climate change.

Impact of small changes in ozone and carbon dioxide

Changes in the atmospheric concentration of ozone and carbon dioxide can have significant consequences: 1. Ozone depletion allows more harmful UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface, leading to an increase in health issues and ecological damage. 2. An increase in CO2 concentration leads to global warming and climate change, which results in melting of polar ice caps, sea level rise, severe storms, and more extreme weather events.

Explain why we should be concerned

Despite their small concentrations, ozone and carbon dioxide have substantial impacts on the Earth's environment and living beings. Consequently, we must monitor and understand alterations in their levels to minimize and manage the risks associated with ozone depletion and enhanced greenhouse effect. Furthermore, human activities substantially contribute to the changes in the abundance of these gases, making it essential to mitigate our emissions and adopt sustainable practices.

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Ozone and carbon dioxide each make up only a fraction of a percent of our atmosphere. Why, then, should we be concerned about small increases or decreases in the atmospheric abundance of these gases?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Introduce ozone and carbon dioxide

Role of ozone in the atmosphere

Role of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Impact of small changes in ozone and carbon dioxide

Explain why we should be concerned

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