CHAPTER 1 Key Terms

CHAPTER 1 Key Terms

Match each of the terms on the left with its definition on the right. Click on the term first and then click on the matching definition. As you match them correctly, they will move to the bottom of the activity.

Question

acid rain
aerosols
air pollution
air pressure
anthropogenic
aurora borealis
aurora australis
carbon monoxide (CO)
CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)
cloud droplets
environmental lapse rate
fossil fuels
greenhouse gas
ionosphere
mesosphere
nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
ozone (O3)
ozonosphere
particulate matter (PM)
photochemical smog
primary pollutant
secondary pollutant
stratosphere
sulfur dioxide (SO2)
temperature inversion
thermosphere
tropopause
troposphere
ultraviolet (UV) radiation
volatile organic compound (VOC)
Displays of light (also called northern lights) caused by energized molecules in the ionosphere.
A region of the upper mesosphere and the thermosphere between about 80 and 500 km (50 to 310 mi) where gases are ionized by solar energy.
The ancient remains of plants preserved in the lithosphere in the form of coal, oil, and natural gas.
The lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending from Earth’s surface up to about 12 km (7.5 mi), where all weather occurs.
A layer of the atmosphere in which air temperature increases with increased height.
Air pollution formed by the action of sunlight on tailpipe emissions.
The atmospheric layer located from 80 to 600 km (50 to 370 mi) above the surface.
Solar radiation that is shorter than visible wavelengths.
Liquid and solid particles (aerosols) suspended in the atmosphere.
The boundary between the troposphere and the stratosphere.
The force exerted by molecules of air against a surface.
Harmful concentrations of gases or aerosols in the atmosphere.
A pollutant that is not directly emitted from a source, but forms through chemical reactions among primary pollutants in air or water.
(pronounced oh-ZO-no-sphere) A region of the stratosphere with high concentrations of ozone molecules that block ultraviolet radiation.
A class of ozone-degrading compounds used mainly as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, and fire retardants.
A molecule that is a pollutant in the lower atmosphere, but blocks harmful solar UV radiation in the stratosphere.
Rainfall that has a lowered pH because it has mixed with sulfur compounds.
Microscopic solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere.
A toxic compound of hydrogen and carbon; also called a hydrocarbon.
The atmospheric layer above the troposphere, which extends between about 12 and 50 km (7.5 and 30 mi) above Earth’s surface and has a permanent temperature inversion.
The rate of cooling with increasing altitude in the troposphere. The average environmental lapse rate is 6.5°C per 1,000 m or 3.6°F per 1,000 ft.
A gas that can absorb and emit thermal energy.
Created or influenced by people.
A pungent gas, produced by volcanic eruptions and by the burning of fossil fuels, that causes human health problems and acid rain.
The layer of the atmosphere between 50 and 80 km (30 and 50 mi) above the surface.
A toxic odorless and invisible gas.
A pollutant that enters the air or water directly from its source.
Displays of light (also called southern lights) caused by energized molecules in the ionosphere.
Microscopic drops of liquid water found in clouds.
A toxic reddish-brown gas produced mainly by vehicle tailpipe emissions.