Human Impacts: Atmosphere

Global Warming

An increase in the average temperature of earth because of an increase in greenhouse gases.

Definition:

A ‘blanket’ of greenhouse gases keeps Earth warm.

Cause:

Global Warming

Hot dog

Gasses such as carbon dioxide and methane trap heat and help our planet support life. This is called the greenhouse effect. It is normal, and essential to life.

Cause:

Global Warming

Global Warming

Cause:

Increased production of greenhouse gases has enhanced this warming effect, called global warming.

Global Warming

Effect:

Rise in sea levels and coastal flooding due to melting glaciers.

Changed precipitation patterns.

Global Warming

Solution:Reduce carbon

dioxide emissions by using less

fossil fuel.Explore alternative

energy source.

Big guy in a little car

Acid Deposition

Definition: Rain ( and snow, hail, etc.) with a pH below 5.6

Harmful chemicals settle as “dust”

Cause:

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide pollution from the burning of fossil fuels.

Acid Deposition

Most of New York State’s acid precipitation originates in the mid-west and moves to us in the prevailing winds.

Cause:

Acid Deposition

Effect:

Destruction of limestone and marble monuments due to increased chemical weathering

Acidification of aquatic ecosystems destroying the life in them.

Acid Deposition

Damage forests and other plants in a variety of ways

Effect:

Acid Deposition

Solution:

.Explore alternative energy sources.

Reduce emissions sulfur and nitrogen from industry by use of scrubbers etc.

Reduce use of fossil fuel

Acid Deposition

Ozone Depletion

Definition:

The reduction of the thin layer of O3 (ozone) that protects the earth from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Ozone Depletion

Cause:

Chloroflurocarbons (CFC’s) pollution from refrigerants and plastics are destroying our thin ozone shield high up in our atmosphere.

Ozone Depletion

Effect:

It is linked to increased incidence of skin cancers and cataracts in the human population.

Increased UV radiation has been linked to amphibian declines.

Ozone Depletion

Solution:

Ban CFC’s