Atmospheric CO2 and Particulates
Grace Taylor
7 min read
Listen to this study note
Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers natural air pollutants and CO2 sources, focusing on their impact on the environment and human health. Key topics include the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matter (PM), natural sources like volcanoes, wildfires, and respiration, and the role of aerobic and anaerobic decomposition in the carbon cycle. The guide also provides practice questions and exam tips for the AP Environmental Science exam.
#AP Environmental Science: Natural Air Pollutants & CO2 Sources - Your Ultimate Review 🚀
Hey there, future AP Environmental Science expert! Let's break down those tricky concepts about natural air pollutants and CO2 sources. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially as you're prepping for the big exam. Let's make sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace it! 💪
#1. Introduction to Air Pollutants and CO2
#What's the Big Deal? 🤔
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A major greenhouse gas. It traps heat, warming the Earth. Think of it like a blanket keeping the planet cozy, but too much of it makes it too hot! 🔥
- Released by natural processes and human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture.
- High CO2 = Global Warming.
- Particulate Matter (PM): Tiny particles in the air (dust, soot, smoke). 💨
- From natural sources (wildfires, dust storms) and human activities (construction, burning fossil fuels).
Serious health effects, especially for those with respiratory issues.
#How Are They Linked? 🔗
- Burning fossil fuels releases both CO2 and PM.
- Climate change (from high CO2) increases wildfires and dust storms, which release more PM.
#2. Natural Sources of Air Pollutants
#General Examples
- Volcanic Eruptions: Ash, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and other pollutants. 🌋
- Wildfires: Particulate matter, carbon monoxide (CO), and other pollutants. 🔥
- Dust Storms: Dust, sand, and other particulate matter. 🏜️
- Sea Spray: Salt particles and other pollutants. 🌊
- Biological Processes: Methane (CH4) from wetlands. 🌿
- Natural Radioactivity: Radioactive particles from rocks and minerals. ☢️
#Specific Examples
#Lightning Strikes
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are produced.
- High temperatures from lightning cause rapid oxidation of nitrogen and oxygen, creating NOx.
- VOCs are released from vaporized compounds in the air.
- NOx and VOCs contribute to smog, acid rain, and ground-level ozone.
#Forest Fires
Releases particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compoun...
How are we doing?
Give us your feedback and let us know how we can improve