Atmospheric pollutants in the lower atmosphere essay.

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Atmospheric pollutants in the lower atmosphere

The atmosphere becomes polluted by both natural processes and the activities of humans. Volcanoes can release toxic gases including sulfur dioxide. Lightning produces toxic nitrogen oxides and ozone. Let us examine some gases that pollute the lower atmosphere. Lower atmospheric pollutants often include particulates such as soot from forest fires and the exhaust from industry. Metal dusts and concrete dusts also are atmospheric pollutants, as are vapours from solvents used in industry and domestically.

Carbon dioxide

The concentration of carbon dioxide has shown a gradual increase during the twentieth century. The burning of fossil fuels such as coal and oil products has caused this gradual increase in carbon dioxide levels. This increase in carbon dioxide is one of the factors that scientists believe has

added to global warming. This is sometimes referred to as the ‘enhanced greenhouse effect’. Carbon dioxide absorbs infrared (IR) radiation that is re-radiated by the Earth’s surface.

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This process is vital in ensuring that the Earth does not lose too much heat and become a cold, lifeless planet. Too much carbon dioxide, however, leads to higher heat retention with consequent changes to the abiotic and biotic environment.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a lower-atmospheric pollutant. Road traffic emissions account for up to 90% of carbon monoxide emissions, although much of the remainder is generated during bushfires. Carbon monoxide is produced by the process of incomplete combustion. The gas is toxic because it is readily absorbed by haemoglobin molecules and transported by the blood. Carbon monoxide ...

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#3# The writing is of a very high level with some terms being used being only found in A-level. The fact that some words have been put in bold draws the examiners attention to them quickly, this means that marking points are easily found instead of the examiner having to go searching from them. The spelling and grammar are fine.

#2# The level of detail put into each of the gases is superb with the amount of research put in really showing through. The essay could had been made better with a conclusive paragraph summing all of the points up, as it makes a neater end to the essay. Putting detail into your points to back them up gives them more credit and also shows to the examiner that you cared enough about the work to spend the time researching the topic.

#1# The response is well laid out with excellent care taken to lay the essay out in a logical manner with care taken to explain the effects of each gas thoroughly. Starting out with a logical plan of where you are going with your essay will save you time in the long run and may stop you from making sill mistakes in the future. The response covers all of the main gases that can be attributed to global warming.