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Chapter 9: Problem 26

Ozone and carbon dioxide and ozone 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

Expert verified
Despite making up a small fraction of the atmosphere, changes to the concentration of ozone and carbon dioxide can have significant impacts. An increase in carbon dioxide enhances the greenhouse effect leading to global warming, and a decrease in ozone concentration allows more harmful UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface. Therefore, even small changes to these gases need to be closely monitored.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Gases' Roles

Ozone and carbon dioxide, though making up a small percentage of the Earth's atmosphere, play critical roles. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that retains heat and regulates Earth’s temperature. Ozone in the stratosphere absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
02

Impact of Changes in Carbon Dioxide Concentration

Even small increases in the percentage of carbon dioxide can have major effects on global warming. The accumulated greenhouse gases trap more heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to an increase in Earth's average surface temperature, a phenomenon known as global warming.
03

Impact of Changes in Ozone Concentration

Small changes in ozone concentrations in the stratosphere can lead to larger amounts of harmful UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface. UV radiation can cause skin cancers and eye damage in humans, and can harm aquatic ecosystems, including the phytoplankton that form the base of the aquatic food chain.

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