Webquest Answers

What is Surface Ozone?

            A.K.A Ground Rising Ozone, Surface Ozone is “chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight.” (http://www.epa.gov/glo/)

How does surface ozone enable and threaten life on Earth?

            Ozone protects the earth from ultraviolet light from reaching Earth’s surface which benefits plants and animals. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone) Even though surface ozone helps it causes a lot of damage. There are significant reductions in plant growth because ozone affects “their ability to soak up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.” (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070725143612.htm)

How does ozone form?

            Ozone forms through chemical emissions of vehicles, factories, and burning forests. (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070725143612.htm, http://www.epa.gov/glo/)

How does ozone affect health?

            Ozone can cause many health problems including “chest pains, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion.” It can also “worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma”, as well as “reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue.”

What are aerosols or particulates?

Tiny pieces of solid or liquid in the air    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Particulates  

What is the source of aerosols in the atmosphere?

Some are natural (dust, volcano eruption, forest fires, salt humas cars, power plants, factories)

How do aerosols affect the climate and climate change?

Aerosols help clouds form, scatter (atmospheric optics) and absorb sunlight

How do aerosols affect life on Earth?

Some aerosols are from air pollution and can affect breathing and limit visibility