Atmosphere

Atmosphere

An atmosphere is the envelope of gases surrounding the earth . We live at the bottom of an invisible ocean called the atmosphere, a layer of gases surrounding our planet.

Global Warming

The increase in air temperature due to excessive concentration of Green House gases is called Global Warming.

The global warming would have its effect in the following ways-

• Rise in sea level

• Change in agriculture

• Climate change

• Shortage of freshwater

• Increased health risk

• Loss of biodiversity

• Increase in evaporation rate

Rise in sea level-

•  (1) thermal expansion of sea water as it warms up

• (2) melting of land ice and 

• (3) changes in the amount of water stored on land.

• (4)the rise in sea level will have negative impacts on human settlements, agriculture, wetlands and tourism.

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Change in agriculture

• Climate change can disrupt food availability, reduce access to food, and affect food quality. 

• changes in precipitation patterns, changes l result in reduced agricultural productivity.

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Climate change-

• Climate change is having serious impacts on the world's water systems through more flooding and droughts.

• decrease in sea ice

Shortage of freshwater-

• When there is water shortage, power plants have to cut power production or shut down for a few days. 

• One of the largest causes of water scarcity across the world is pollution.

Increased health risk

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  Large amount of people will be under the increased health risk of malaria, dengue, yellow fever and some other infectious disease.

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Open Ended

Write any 2 Impacts of Rise in sea level due to Global Warming.

Poll

Describe the type of Impact- Changes in rainfall patterns would affect crops cultivated.

• Climate change

• Change in agriculture

• Rise in sea level

Loss of biodiversity

• Biodiversity loss affects economic systems and human society.

• Lack of biodiversity among crops 

• Deforestation and habitat loss. 

Increase in evaporation list

• Change in the characterstics of ocean currents.

• Lakes and rivers would evaporate faster.

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How to control Global Warming-

• Switch to renewable energy.

• Use energy-efficient devices.

• Plant more trees.

• Unplug electronic items when not used.

• Water conservation

• We shou;d use less chemical fertilizers to crops

Ozone Depletion

Ozone occurs throughout the atmosphere but its maximum concentration which is 90% is in the stratosphere. The average thickness of the ozone layer is about 2.9 millimeters. The thickness of ozone layer is measured in Dobson Unit(DU).

More about Ozone Depletion

If the thickness of the ozone layer in stratosphere falls below 220 DU then it is termed as ozone hole.

The ozone layer absorbs the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun and protects the earth.

The depletion of ozone will behave negative impacts including skin cancer, eye cataract, immune deficiency and respiratory problems.

Chlorofluorocarbons , Nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons are the main pollutants responsible for ozone depletion.

Prevention-

• Make sure that old refrigerators and air conditioners are safely disposed by giving them to recycle yard

• Minimize the use of cars.

• Maintain air conditioners

• Buy local products. In this way, you not only get fresh products but you avoid consuming food that has traveled long distances.