How things are Related: Altitude, Air Pressure, & Temperature

Altitude the height of anything above a reference level, especially above sea level on earth Example: As a plane takes off, it’s altitude is increasing.

Air Pressure the force exerted by air, whether compressed or unconfined, on any surface in contact with it. Example: When you blow up a balloon, you are increasing the amount of air pressure inside the balloon causing it to expand.

Temperature a measure of the warmth or coldness of an object or substance with reference to some standard value.

Density mass divided by volume. It is the measure how much mass there is per volume - Things that are mores dense are heavier because they have more molecules in the same amount of space. Warm Air Molecules – less dense Cold Air Molecules - More dense

Obj 9: I can define Altitude, Air pressure, temperature and density Altitude: the height of anything above a reference level, especially above sea level on earth Air pressure: the force exerted by air, whether compressed or unconfined, on any surface in contact with it Temperature: a measure of the warmth or coldness of an object or substance with reference to some standard value. Density: mass divided by volume. It is the measure how much mass there is per volume

How are altitude and air pressure related? Obj 10: I can describe how altitude affects air pressure and temperature, How are altitude and air pressure related? As altitude increases, air pressure decreases.

Obj 10 continued How are altitude and temperature related? As altitude increases in the Troposphere temperature decreases As altitude increases in the Stratosphere temperature increases As altitude increases in the Mesosphere temperature decreases As altitude increases in the Thermosphere temperature increases Stratosphere Mesosphere Troposphere Thermosphere

OZONE Good Up High, Bad Nearby

Objective 11: I can define ozone and identify “good” and “bad” ozone Ozone: (o3) gas that occurs in Earth’s upper atmosphere and at ground level. Good Ozone: A thin layer in the stratosphere that protects us from the sun. Located 10 – 30 miles up from the surface. Blocks ultraviolet (UV) rays from reaching Earth’s surface. Makes up 90% of ozone Bad Ozone: Found close to surface of Earth, in the troposphere. Makes up 10% of ozone. Main ingredient is urban smog (fog+smoke). Air pollutant that is harmful to breathe and it damages crops, trees and other vegetation. POLLUTION!!

Without the “good” ozone, more UV rays will reach the surface of the Earth.

What causes ozone depletion? chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) coolants foaming agents fire extinguishers solvents pesticides, aerosol propellants

What happens if we have more UV Rays… more cases of skin cancer increase in melanoma impaired immune systems Cataracts damage sensitive crops reduce crop yields decrease in phytoplankton (the base of the ocean food chain)

Is there any evidence…

What are we doing? Montreal Protocol 1987 phase out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances. EPA has established regulations Warning labels must be placed on all products containing CFCs (ex. hairspray) Releases into the air of refrigerants used in car and home air conditioning units and appliances are prohibited. substitutes to ozone-depleting products have been produced and others are being developed natural ozone production should return the ozone layer to normal levels by about 2050

Objective 12: I can describe the Greenhouse Effect Greenhouse Effect: The trapping of heat near Earth’s surface by greenhouse gases (Carbon Dioxide, Methane) that form a “blanket” around the Earth Without the greenhouse effect, Earth would be much colder—about 33 Celsius degrees colder, on average. All of Earth’s water would be frozen!

Obj 13 I can describe Climate Change Category Air Quality Properties Causes are both natural and man made Was once called “Global Warming” Climate Change What are some warnings? Too many greenhouse gases are a problem Earth’s average temperature is rising More intense summers and winters Stronger storms

Obj 13 continued Climate Change is an average increase in the temperature of the atmosphere near the Earth's surface and in the troposphere, which can contribute to changes in global climate patterns Climate Change can occur from a variety of causes, both natural and human included Why does Climate Change affect us? Glaciers, permafrost and sea ice are disappearing Sea levels are rising, seasons changing and extreme weather is becoming more extreme Could lead to more droughts, floods, intense storms

What can I do to help? – Be an Environmental Steward An environmental steward is someone who protects the environment through recycling, conservation, regeneration, and restoration. It means taking responsibility for our choices. The responsibility for environmental quality should be shared by all those whose actions affect the environment.

Watch an older cartoon intro to “Captain Planet” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogMBLRHJYXU Click the link above to find out