Layers of the Atmosphere

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Layers of the Atmosphere
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The Troposphere

• Closest to Earths surface
• Weather
• Water vapor and Carbon dioxide
• Temperature decreases as you go up
• From 6-17 km thick
• Top called the tropopause

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Stratosphere

• Up to about 50 km
• Ozone layer
• Temperature rises as you move up
• Top called stratopause

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Mesosphere

• Up to 80km
• Temperature decreases (coldest)
• Top called mesopause

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Thermosphere

• Temperature rises
• But few particles
• Lower portion Ionosphere
• Lots of charged particles (ions)
• Reflect radio waves
• Upper portion - Exosphere

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Air Pollution

• Like all pollutants, effects can vary based on
  the person and the length of exposure
• Main sources
• Fossil fuels
• Car exhaust from gasoline
• Coal for electricity
• Oil for fuel

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Acid Precipitation

• Acid rain
• Rainwater is a weak acid due to CO2
• Sulfur and nitrates from coal can make the rain
  much more acidic

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Temperature inversions

• When warm air traps polluted cooler air beneath
  it
• Los Angeles is a site of frequent inversions
• Increases the occurrence of Smog

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Federal Clean Air Act

• First passed in 1963
• Last amended in 1990
• Sets federal standards for industry and
  automobiles
• Monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency