All Flashcards
What are the steps of aerobic decomposition?
Microorganisms break down organic matter + Oxygen -> CO2 + Water + Energy.
What are the steps of anaerobic decomposition?
Microorganisms break down organic matter -> Methane (CH4) + CO2 + Other gases.
Describe the process by which lightning strikes generate NOx.
High temperatures from lightning cause rapid oxidation of nitrogen and oxygen, creating NOx.
Describe the process by which plants release VOCs.
Plants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during photosynthesis.
Explain the link between burning fossil fuels and air pollutants.
Burning fossil fuels releases both CO2 (a greenhouse gas) and particulate matter (PM), contributing to both climate change and air pollution.
How do wildfires contribute to air pollution?
Wildfires release particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4), and toxins.
What is the role of plants in air pollution?
Plants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during photosynthesis, which can react with other pollutants to form ground-level ozone.
How do volcanoes impact air quality?
Volcanoes release ash, sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and other gases, affecting air quality and visibility.
Explain how respiration contributes to the carbon cycle.
Living organisms respire, converting food into energy and releasing CO2, which maintains the balance of gases in the atmosphere.
What is the significance of aerobic decomposition?
It recycles carbon in the global carbon cycle by microorganisms breaking down organic matter in the presence of oxygen, releasing CO2.
What is the significance of anaerobic decomposition?
It releases methane (CH4) and CO2 when microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen.
How do lightning strikes contribute to air pollution?
Lightning strikes produce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to smog, acid rain, and ground-level ozone.
Explain the greenhouse effect.
CO2 and other greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, warming the Earth.
What is the impact of volcanic ash on air travel?
Volcanic ash can disrupt air travel by damaging engines and reducing visibility.
Define Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
A major greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.
Define Particulate Matter (PM).
Tiny particles in the air, like dust, soot, or smoke.
Define VOCs.
Volatile Organic Compounds; contribute to smog and ozone formation.
Define NOx.
Nitrogen oxides; contribute to smog, acid rain, and ground-level ozone.
Define Aerobic Decomposition.
Breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen, releasing CO2.
Define Anaerobic Decomposition.
Breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen, releasing methane (CH4) and CO2.
Define SO2.
Sulfur dioxide; contributes to acid rain and respiratory problems.
Define Greenhouse Gas.
A gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
Define Respiration.
Process where living organisms convert food into energy, releasing CO2.
Define Global Warming.
The long-term heating of Earth's climate system observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth's atmosphere.