All Flashcards
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.
Define Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
A major greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.
Define Particulate Matter (PM).
Tiny particles in the air, such as dust, soot, and smoke.
Define Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature.
Define Nitrogen Oxides (NOx).
Gases formed when nitrogen and oxygen react at high temperatures.
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 Greenhouse Gas.
A gas that absorbs and emits radiant energy within the thermal infrared range, trapping heat.
Define Respiration.
The process by which living organisms convert food into energy, releasing CO2 as a byproduct.
Define Global Warming.
A gradual increase in Earth's average surface temperature.
Define Acid Rain.
Rainfall made acidic by atmospheric pollution, especially sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
What are the effects of high CO2 levels?
Global warming and climate change.
What are the health effects of particulate matter?
Respiratory issues, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.
What is the effect of sulfur dioxide release from volcanoes?
Contributes to acid rain.
What is the effect of deforestation on CO2 levels?
Reduces carbon sinks, leading to increased atmospheric CO2 levels.
What is the effect of increased methane release?
Contributes to global warming as methane is a potent greenhouse gas.
What are the effects of volcanic eruptions?
Release ash, SO2, CO2, and other gases, affecting air quality, visibility, and climate.
What are the effects of forest fires?
Release PM, CO, VOCs, greenhouse gases, and toxins, harming health and the environment.