Page 100 - Geosystems An Introduction to Physical Geography 4th Canadian Edition
P. 100
3
Earth’s Modern Atmosphere
concepts
key learning
After reading the chapter, you should be able to:
• Draw a diagram showing atmospheric structure based on three criteria for analysis—composition, temperature, and function.
• List and describe the components of the modern atmosphere, giving their relative percentage contributions by volume.
• Describe conditions within the stratosphere; specifically, review the function and status of the ozonosphere, or ozone layer.
• Distinguish between natural and anthropogenic pollutants in the lower atmosphere.
• Construct a simple diagram illustrating the pollution from photochemical reactions in motor vehicle exhaust, and describe the sources and effects of industrial smog.
as the Sun rises over Mono lake in eastern California, rock spires are silhouetted by dawn’s light. These limestone rock forma- tions are known as “tufa towers,” formed by the interaction of underwater springs with the saline lake water. The promise of each sunrise reminds us of the Sun’s energy and the work of the atmosphere that sustains life—subjects of this chapter.
[Bobbé Christopherson.]
