TUTORIAL 1: WEEK 2- 11TH FEB 2010

QUESTION 1 Discuss the different regions of atmosphere The troposphere is the region where the visible clouds are to be found. The stratosphere is a region where the atmosphere warms. On Earth, the stratosphere warms because of the presence of ozone. The mesosphere is a static region, a region of balance between incoming and outgoing energy. The thermosphere is the other region of the atmosphere where the air warms. The layers or regions are present because of the temperature structure of the atmosphere. The temperature structure plays an important role in where the clouds are to be found.

What are the main differences between the regions? Question 1. (ii) What are the main differences between the regions?

Question 2 What are greenhouse gases? List as many of these as possible Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Any gas that absorbs infrared radiation in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases include, but are not limited to, water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), ozone (O3 ), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).

Energy from the Sun drives the Earth's weather and climate Energy from the Sun drives the Earth's weather and climate. The Earth absorbs energy from the Sun, and also radiates energy back into space. http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/index.html

Q2 (ii) Discuss the sources of greenhouse gases Sources: Anthropogenic sources include:- Industry Agriculture mining transportation construction habitations deforestation

Manufacturing Industry Release of gases and dust into the atmosphere. Waste disposal practices. Air pollution, water pollution.

Agriculture Conversion of woodlands into fields and pastures including slash-and-burn techniques. Diversion of surface and groundwater. Ground water salinization due to inadequate drainage. Pollution of soil and water by chemicals found in fertilizer and pesticides. dirty or unclean water

Mining Removal of topsoil and creation of spoil piles. Diversion of groundwater by mine shafts. Surface runoff bearing mining wastes. Release of air pollution by refining processes.

Transportation Diversion of surface water flow by roadways. Vehicular air pollution. Roadway noise, aircraft noise and transit noise.

Construction Removal of natural habitats by grading and building Diversion of groundwater Filling in marshes, baylands, swamps, ponds, stream beds.

Habitations Concentration of human activities in discrete zones. Concentration of waste products, sewage, and debris. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthropogenic