Atmospheric Pollution And Its Causes (Copy)
7.2 Atmospheric Pollution and Its Causes – Cheat Sheet
Types and Causes of Atmospheric Pollution
| Pollution Type | Causes | Key Gases / Substances | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smog | – Vehicle emissions (NOâ‚“, hydrocarbons)- Industrial pollutants- Temperature inversion traps pollutants near ground | Nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulates | Reduces visibility, respiratory problems; common in cities (e.g., Beijing, LA) |
| Acid Rain | – Burning fossil fuels → SOâ‚‚ + NOâ‚“- Combine with water vapour in atmosphere | Sulfur dioxide (SOâ‚‚), Nitrogen oxides (NOâ‚“) | Lowers pH of lakes/rivers, damages forests, corrodes buildings (e.g., Black Forest, Germany) |
| Ozone Layer Depletion | – CFCs from aerosols, refrigeration- CFCs release chlorine in stratosphere, destroying ozone molecules | CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) | Causes ozone holes, increases UV exposure → skin cancer, crop damage; improving due to Montreal Protocol |
| Enhanced Greenhouse Effect | – Rising COâ‚‚ from fossil fuels- CHâ‚„ from agriculture, landfill, cattle- Excess water vapour | Carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚), Methane (CHâ‚„), Water vapour (Hâ‚‚O) | Leads to global warming, sea level rise, extreme weather events |
Quick Pointers
- Smog = urban issue (air quality + health).
- Acid rain = regional issue (forests, lakes, buildings).
- Ozone depletion = global but improving with action.
- Enhanced greenhouse effect = global climate change challenge.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Environmental Management Full Scale Course