(Effective and Alternative Secondary Education)

INTEGRATED SCIENCE I

MODULE 14

BUREAU OF SECONDARY EDUCATION

Department of Education
DepED Complex, Meralco Avenue
Pasig City

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 Module 14
The Earth’s Atmosphere

What this module is about

You have learned facts about the earth’s lithosphere and hydrosphere in your last
module. This module presents knowledge about the earth’s gaseous envelope - the
atmosphere. It includes the following lessons:

ƒ Lesson 1 - The Earth’s Grid System

ƒ Lesson 2 - The Earth’s Atmosphere
ƒ Lesson 3 - The Layers of the Earth’ s Atmosphere
ƒ Lesson 4 - The Changes in the Earth’s Atmosphere

What you are expected to learn

After going through the module, you are expected to:

1. explain the importance of the coordinate system in locating places on earth;

2. describe the composition of the earth’s atmosphere;
3. identify the different layers of the earth’s atmosphere; and
4. enumerate and describe the changes in the earth’s atmosphere.

How to learn from this module

Here’s a simple guide for you in going about the module:

1. Read the instructions carefully.

2. Follow the instructions very carefully.
3. Answer the pre-test in order to determine how much you know about the
lessons in this module.
4. Check your answers with the given answer key at the end of this module.
5. Read each lesson and do activities that are provided for you.

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 6. Perform all the activities diligently to help and guide you in understanding the
topic.
7. Take the self-tests after each lesson to determine how much you understood
the topic.
8. Answer the posttest to measure how much you have gained from the lessons.

Good Luck and have fun!

What to do before (Pretest)

A. Direction: Encircle the correct answer.

1. An imaginary line that divides the places on the earth in an EAST-WEST direction is
the:
a. equator
b. latitude
c. longitude
d. prime meridian

2. The Great Circle is also known as the

a. equator
b. latitude
c. longitude
d. prime meridian

3. The 180° meridian is also called

a. equator
b. latitude
c. longitude
d. prime meridian

4. An imaginary line that divides the places on the earth in an NORTH-SOUTH direction
is the:
a. equator
b. latitude
c. longitude
d. prime meridian

5. Which of the following statements describes the temperature in the troposphere and
stratosphere?
a. The troposphere is hotter than the stratosphere
b. The stratosphere is hotter than the troposphere
c. Low temperature exists in the troposphere and stratosphere.
d. The temperature in the troposphere is equal to the temperature of the
stratosphere.

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 6. Arrange the following layers of the atmosphere from the earth’s reference.
A - ozone layer a. A – B – C - D
B – stratosphere b. B – C – D - A
C – troposphere c. C – D – A - B
D - mesosphere d. C – A - B – D

7. What part of the atmosphere has no weather disturbance?

a. ozone layer b. stratosphere c. troposphere d. mesosphere

8. Which part of the atmosphere protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays?

a. ozone layer b. stratosphere c. troposphere d. mesosphere

9. There are _____ seasons on earth.

a. one (1) b. two (2) c. three (3) d. four (4)

10. The earth’s axis is inclined at_____

a. 25.5° b. 24.5° c. 23.5° d. 22.5°

B. Match Column A with Column B

COLUMN A COLUMN B
1. atmosphere a. layer of the atmosphere that is characterized by
an increase in temperature due to the
concentration of ozone
2. troposphere b. lowermost layer of the atmosphere that is
characterized by a decrease in temperature
with height
3. stratosphere c. layer of the atmosphere that is immediately
above the stratosphere
4. ozone layer d. it is called the “blanket of air
5. mesosphere e. it is the state of the atmosphere at a particular
place during a short period of time
6. air pollution f. it is caused by the earth-sun relationship
7. weather g. it is the condition of the atmosphere at a
particular location over a long period of time
8. climate h. formed through the process of precipitation
9. season i. it is the warming of the earth's surface
10. global warming j. it involves the release into the atmosphere of
gases, finely divided solids, or finely dispersed
liquid aerosols

Key to answers on page 29

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Lesson 1 The Earth’s Grid System
Earth’s grid or coordinate system can be described and determined by means of
the position or location of any place on the Earth's surface.

LATITUDE
PRIME
MERIDIAN

EQUATOR

LONGITUDE

The two reference points in locating the places on earth are the equator and the
prime meridian.

The equator is also called the great circle around the Earth that is equidistant from
the geographic poles and lies in a plane perpendicular to the Earth's axis. It divides the
Earth into the Northern and Southern hemispheres and forms the imaginary reference line
on the Earth's surface from which latitude is considered. It is the line with 0° latitude

The prime meridian is the imaginary line used to indicate 0° longitude that passes
through Greenwich and terminates at the North and South poles. It is measured in degrees,
minutes, and seconds. It is used as the reference for all other meridians of longitude, which
are numbered east or west of it. This also serves as the basis for the world's standard time
zone system.

Latitude is a measurement on a globe or map of location north or south of the

equator. It is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds. The greatest possible latitudes
are 90° N and 90° S. Different latitudinal positions on maps or globes, equidistant circles are
plotted and drawn parallel to the equator and each other. These are known as the parallels,
or parallels of latitude.

Longitude is a measurement of location east or west of the prime meridian at

Greenwich. It is the amount of arc created by drawing first a line from the center of the Earth
to the intersection of the equator and the prime meridian and then another line from the

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center of the earth to any point elsewhere on the Equator. Longitude is measured 180° both
east and west of the prime meridian. To locate longitudinal positions on a globe or map,
meridians are plotted and drawn from pole to pole where they meet. The distance per
degree of longitude at the Equator is about 111.32 km (69.18 miles) and at the poles, 0.The
combination of meridians of longitude and parallels of latitude establishes a framework or
grid by means of which exact positions can be determined in reference to the prime
meridian and the Equator.

What you will do

Activity 1.1

Based on the discussion, identify the points (latitude and longitude) plotted on the
coordinate system. The first two points are identified for you. Write your answers on the
table provided for:

Points on the Globe Parallel Latitudes Parallel Longitudes

A 30°N 60°E
B 30°S 30°W
C
D
E

Key to answers on page 29

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 What you will do
Self-Test 1.1

Study the diagram below. Identify the parts that are shown in the diagram. Fill up the
table below.

POINTS ON THE PARALLEL OF PARALLEL OF

GLOBE LATITUDES LONGITUDES
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Key to answers on page 29

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Lesson 2 The Earth’s Atmosphere
This lesson will guide you in understanding the earth’s atmosphere - the place on
earth that is vital to our existence. It will help you examine the ocean of air in which we all
must live.

The atmosphere, solar energy and our planet’s magnetic fields support life on Earth.
The atmosphere absorbs the energy from the Sun, recycles water and other chemicals, and
works with the electrical and magnetic forces to provide a moderate climate. The
atmosphere also protects us from high-energy radiation and the frigid vacuum of space.

The Earth’s Atmosphere

The earth is a terrestrial body whose solid surface, abundant waters, and oxygen-rich
atmosphere have combined to create conditions suitable for life.

The earth is surrounded by a blanket of air that we call atmosphere. The atmosphere
is considered in terms of layers, or regions, arranged like spherical shells above the surface
of the Earth. It reaches over 560 kilometers (348 miles) from the surface of the Earth, so we
are only able to see what occurs fairly close to the ground. Early attempts at studying the
nature of the atmosphere used clues from the weather, the beautiful multi-colored sunsets
and sunrises, and the twinkling of stars. With the use of sensitive instruments from space,
we are able to get a better view of our atmosphere.

Composition of the Atmosphere

Gas Percent by Volume

Nitrogen,N2 78.084
Oxygen, O2 20.946
Argon, Ar 0.934
Carbon dioxide,CO2 0.033
Ne 0.001818
H2 .000524
CH4 0.002
Kr 0.000114
H2 0.00005
N2O 0.00005
Xe 0.0000087

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 The atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen (N2, 78%), oxygen (O2, 21%), and
argon (Ar, 1%). A myriad of other very influential components are also present which include
the "greenhouse" gases or ozone (0 - 0.01%), carbon dioxide (CO2, 0.033%). (Refer to
Table)

The atmosphere extends from the surface of the Earth to heights of thousands of
kilometers, where it gradually merges with the solar wind. The composition of the
atmosphere as measured by its mean density (the average mass per unit volume) is more
or less constant with height to altitudes of about 100 kilometers. This state of approximate
uniformity arises as a result of motion and as a consequence of the high frequency with
which molecules of a particular species are involved in collisions with their neighbors. A
representative oxygen molecule, O2, for example, encounters a nitrogen molecule, N2, on
average once every 10-9 second at the surface. Even at heights of 100 kilometers, where
the density of air molecules is much lower, the encounter time is still comparatively brief,
about 10-3 second. A force imparted to one molecule is rapidly transferred to all. The
atmosphere tends to behave as though it were composed of a single molecular species with
an effective molecular mass set by its mean composition. The bulk of the lower atmosphere
is composed of N2 and O2, with relative abundances of, respectively, 0.78 and 0.21. The
region above 100 kilometers is referred to as the heterosphere, a name intended to
emphasize the importance of the change in composition as a function of altitude. In the
same vein, the region lower than 100 kilometers was given the name homosphere.

What you will do

Activity 2.1

Choose any set of jumbled letters. Arrange the letters to form word/s that is/are
described by the following sentences.

gonar parethomse genortin therosphere smehporeoh

1. The place on earth that is vital to life

2. The gas which consists 78% of this place on earth. (see No. 1)
3. The part of the atmosphere where the bulk of the lower atmosphere composed of N2
and O2 is _________.
4. The region in the atmosphere where it is below 100 km.
5. What gas composed 1% of the atmosphere?

Key to answers on page 30

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 What you will do
Self-Test 2.1

Label each division in the circle based on the percentage of gasses present in the
earth’s atmosphere.

Key to answers on page 30

Lesson 3 The Layers of Earth’s Atmosphere

This lesson will focus on the different layers of the earth’s atmosphere. To help you
understand and visualize these layers, study the diagram below:

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 The envelope of gas surrounding the Earth changes from the ground up. Four distinct
layers have been identified using temperature changes, chemical composition, movement,
and density. However, there are no distinct lines or boundaries where one layer ends and
the other begins.

The mesosphere is the "Middle sphere" and is the coldest layer of the atmosphere.
There are very few gases available in this layer to absorb the heat from the sun. The
mesopause is the upper boundary for this layer.

The stratosphere extends from the top of the tropopause to about 50 km (31 miles).
The temperature begins to increase in this layer because it contains the highest
concentration of ozone. Ozone absorbs the sun's heat and also protects us from the harmful
ultraviolet rays of the sun. The stratosphere is ideal for jets to travel in because they are
above the weather and the air is so "thin" that it offers little resistance to the aircraft. There is
no weather in this layer because there is no water vapor. The stratopause is the upper
boundary for this layer.

Although the greenhouse effect and the ozone layer both protect life on earth, they
are very different. While the greenhouse effect lets sunshine in and prevents the heat from
escaping, the ozone layer prevents harmful ultraviolet radiation from entering the
atmosphere. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is what causes sunburns and skin cancer.
The layer of gaseous ozone in the upper atmosphere that blocks radiation is what we call
the ozone layer.

In the stratosphere, ozone is distributed all over the globe. It exists at concentrations
that would be deadly in the troposphere, which extends from the Earth’s surface to about 7
miles up. The ozone layer is not a thin band of concentrated gas. The ozone layer in the
stratosphere extends from about 7 miles up to about 30 miles.

The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where all weather occurs. It is
the only layer that has both the moisture and instability necessary to produce clouds. The
troposphere extends upward about 6 km (3.7miles) at the poles, and as much as 16 km (10
miles} at the equator. The temperature decreases as one goes higher up. The tropopause, a
transition zone between the troposphere and the stratosphere, is where the jet streams are
found.

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 What you will do
Self-Test 3.1

Identify the following: Write your answer on the space provided before the number:

_______________ 1. The “blanket of air” on earth’s layer

_______________ 2. The lowermost layer of the atmosphere that is characterized by a

decrease in temperature with height

_______________ 3. The layer of the atmosphere that is characterized by an increase in

temperature due to the concentration of ozone

_______________ 4. The layer of the atmosphere that is immediately above the

stratosphere

_______________ 5. The two factors that are considered in determining the layers of the
atmosphere

Key to answers on page 30

Lesson 4 The Changes in the Earth’s Atmosphere

Imagine that you are living 100 years ago. The air today is not as clean as it was 100
years ago. Years have passed and the age of industrialism and rise of technology gave rise
to this changing earth. Each year a huge amount of wastes is generated.

This lesson will help you understand how these changes affect the environment
particularly the air. This will help you answer the following basic questions:

1. What causes the seasons?

2. How is air heated?
3. What factors control the different temperature of the earth?

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The following paragraph discusses what causes seasons

Season is caused by the earth-sun relationship. It is any of four divisions of the year
according to consistent annual changes in the weather. The seasons—winter, spring,
summer, and autumn—are commonly regarded in the Northern Hemisphere as beginning
on the winter solstice, December 22 or 23; the vernal equinox, March 20 or 21; the summer
solstice, June 21 or 22; and the autumnal equinox, September 22 or 23. At the equinoxes,
the days and nights are equal in length; at the winter solstice the day is the year's shortest,
and at the summer solstice, the day is the year's longest. (See Figure 4.1)

Figure 4.1: The Earth-Sun relationships

Each year the earth experiences changes in its radiation budget, in the distribution of
heat input into the atmosphere and in the course of the seasonal migration of the Sun
between 23°N and 23°S. This is a result of seasonal change.

Why is there variation in season? The gradual change in daylight that occurs
throughout the year accounts for this difference. (See Figure 4.2)

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 Figure 4.2:
Rays striking at a low angle
travel through more of the
atmosphere than rays striking at
a higher angle and therefore are
subjected to greater depletion
due to reflection of sunlight.

The seasonal variation in the altitude of the sun affects the amount of energy
received at the earth’s surface in two ways. First, when the sun is directly overhead (90°
angle), the solar rays are most concentrated. The lower the angle, the more spread out and
less intense is the solar radiation that reaches the surface. (See Fig. 4.3). Second, the rays
of the sun determine the amount of atmosphere the rays must travel. (See Fig. 4.2). This
accounts for the fact that the midday sun can be blinding, while the setting sun can be a
sight to behold.

Figure 4.3 Changes in the sun angle cause variations in the amount of solar
energy reaching the earth’s surface. The higher the angle, the more intense
the solar radiation.

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Weather and Climate

Weather

Does it amaze you how the weather influences your life? Most conversations begin
or end with comments about the weather. Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a
particular place during a short period of time. It involves such atmospheric phenomena as
temperature, humidity, precipitation (type and amount), air pressure, wind, and cloud cover.
Weather differs from climate in that the latter is the synthesis of weather conditions that
have prevailed over a given area during a long time period—generally 30 years. Weather
occurs in the troposphere. Although weather is largely confined to the troposphere,
phenomena of the higher regions of the atmosphere such as jet streams and upper-air
waves significantly affect sea-level atmospheric-pressure patterns—the so-called highs and
lows—and thereby the weather conditions at the terrestrial surface. Manifestations of such
weather-affecting interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere are what scientists
call the El Niño and La Niña.

Climate

Climate is the condition of the atmosphere at a particular location over a long period
of time; it is the long-term summation of the atmospheric elements (and their variations) that,
over short time periods, constitute weather. These elements are solar radiation,
temperature, humidity, precipitation (type, frequency, and amount), atmospheric pressure,
and wind (speed and direction). To the general public the word retains the meaning of
expected or habitual weather, which is heavily dependent on place and time of year. Climate
is now perceived as part of a larger system that includes the atmosphere but also the
hydrosphere (all liquid and frozen surface waters), the lithosphere (all solid land surfaces,
including the ocean floors), the biosphere (all living things), and such extraterrestrial factors
as the Sun.

Methodology of weather forecasting.

Weather forecasting includes predictions of changes on the earth's surface caused

by atmospheric conditions. When people wait under a shelter for a downpour to end, they
are making a very short-range weather forecast. They are assuming, based on past
experiences that such hard rain usually does not last very long. In short-term predictions the
challenge for the forecaster is to improve on what the layperson can do. For years,
developed a method called nowcasting. In this method, radar and satellite observations of
local atmospheric conditions are processed and displayed rapidly by computers to project
weather several hours in advance. The PHILIPPINE ATMOSPHERIC GEOPHYSICAL AND
ASTRONOMICAL SERVICES AUTHORITY (PAGASA) is an agency that measure and
predict atmospheric conditions for large areas by computer. Using models that apply their
accumulated expert knowledge quickly, accurately, and in a statistically valid form,
meteorologists are now capable of making forecasts objectively. As a consequence, the
same results are produced time after time from the same data inputs, with all analysis
accomplished mathematically.

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Forecasters in weather forecasting use the following weather tools.

Uses of Weather Tools Picture of Tools/ Instruments

Rain Gauge - a tool used to

measure the amount of
precipitation that falls.
The precipitation is collected in
a container with a ruler to show
the amount.

Thermometer - an instrument
used to measure temperatures.
Mercury inside the thermometer
rises or falls as it expands or
contracts from changes in
temperature.

Wind Vane - A tool used to

measure the direction the wind
is blowing.

Barometer - A tool used to

measure the atmospheric (air)
pressure which is then used to
forecast the weather. Low
pressure is associated with bad
weather (Low = Lousy) and high
pressure is associated with
good weather (High = Heavenly)

Hygrometer - A tool used to

measure the amount of humidity
or moisture in the air. The
higher the humidity, the more
moisture is in the air

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 Anemometer - A tool used to
measure wind speed.

Small cups spin - record the

speed of the wind. The faster
the cups spin, the
harder the wind blows.

What you will do

Activity 4.1

Forecast the weather up to 48 hours using an improvised anemometer (small cups

spin)

A. Make your own anemometer:

1. Gather the materials: 5 small plastic cups, barbeque sticks and thin rod.
2. Assemble the materials as shown in the diagram:

plastic cups

barbeque stick

stable and thin rod

B. Try your improvised anemometer. Place it outside the house where there is enough
wind. Install it in a way that it can’t be thrown by the strong wind.
C. Observe the movement of the instrument.
D. From your observation, tell what the weather is.

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 E. Forecast the weather for two days.
F. Verify your answers by watching TV for weather reports.

Changes brought about by weather and climate:

Are you familiar with this poem?

Clouds are made of small droplets of water or bits of ice that are spread out from
each other. Rain falls when the drops get too big and heavy to stay in the cloud. There are
three main kinds of clouds. What are these?

What you will do

Activity 4.2

Directions

ƒ Look outside and see if there are any clouds in the sky today.
ƒ Draw pictures of the clouds
ƒ Tell what the weather is like.
ƒ Using the pictures, find the cloud that most closely matches those you have seen
and drawn.
ƒ Compare your drawing with the pictures of the clouds below.
ƒ Write down the name of the cloud.

Draw the clouds here: Describe the weather today:

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Different Kinds of Clouds

Cirrus Clouds

Can you see the "halo" in this picture?

The person taking the picture blocked
out the sun with his fist so that he could
get the picture. The halo is caused by
cirrus clouds. The bright spot on the left
is a "sun dog."

Cirrus(meaning "curl") clouds are very

high, wispy clouds made of ice. Even in
the summer, cirrus clouds are made of
ice because it is cold high above Earth.

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 Cumulus Clouds

Cumulus (meaning "heap") clouds are

the large clouds that sometimes look like
huge puffs of cotton. Sometimes these
clouds look like animals or familiar
things. It is fun to use your imagination to
make up stories about the clouds.

Sometimes cumulus clouds get dark

gray and rain or hail falls from them.
They are then called cumulonimbus
clouds. These clouds often produce
lightning and thunder. Nimbus always
tells us that a cloud brings rain.

Stratus Clouds

Stratus (meaning "stretched out")

clouds are made up of low layers of
clouds that usually cover the whole sky
and blot out the sun. These clouds bring
gray days. When rain falls from them,
they are called nimbostratus clouds.

The Greenhouse Effect

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 Greenhouse effect is the warming of the earth's surface and lower atmosphere that
tends to intensify with an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide. The atmosphere allows a
large percentage of the rays of visible light from the sun to reach the earth's surface and
heat it. A part of this energy is reradiated by the earth's surface in the form of long-wave
infrared radiation, much of which is absorbed by molecules of carbon dioxide and water
vapor in the atmosphere and which is reflected back to the surface as heat. This is roughly
analogous to the effect produced by the glass panes of a greenhouse, which transmit
sunlight in the visible range but hold in heat. The trapping of this infrared radiation causes
the earth's surface and lower atmospheric layers to warm to a higher temperature than
would otherwise be the case. Without this greenhouse heating, the earth's average
temperature would be only about -73° C (-100° F); even the oceans would be frozen under
such conditions. Owing to the rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide caused by modern
industrial societies' widespread combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), the
greenhouse effect on earth may be intensified and long-term climatic changes may result.
An increase in atmospheric concentrations of other trace gases such as chlorofluorocarbons
(Freons), nitrous oxide, and methane, due again largely to human activity, may also
aggravate greenhouse conditions. A growing number of scientists have predicted that
significant alterations in climate patterns will be seen by the turn of the century. They
estimate that global average temperatures could increase by as much as 5° C (9° F) by the
middle of the 21st century. Such global warming would cause the polar ice caps and
mountain glaciers to melt rapidly and result in appreciably higher coastal waters. The rise in
global temperature would also produce new patterns and extremes of drought and rainfall,
seriously disrupting food production in certain regions.

Global warming is a potential increase in average global atmospheric temperatures

resulting from the greenhouse effect.

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The Ozone Hole

The ozone layer is not of the same thickness all around the Earth. The ozone hole
refers to areas of the ozone layer that are so thin that cannot block as much radiation as
thicker parts. When the ozone layer thins to 50 percent of its normal thickness, that area is
called an ozone hole.

The ozone hole is caused by the breakdown of certain chlorine and/or bromine
compounds (called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or halons). These compounds are
commonly used as a coolant in refrigerators and air conditioners, in foam manufacturing and
as fire extinguishing agents.

Ground-level ozone, often called smog, is a harmful air pollutant that irritates the
lungs and damages the leaves of plants. The difference between the ozone in the ozone
layer and harmful ground-level ozone is the location of the ozone in relation to people,
plants and animals. Ozone in the ozone layer is so high above ground that it cannot reach
people, plants and animals and cannot harm them. However, ozone at ground level is close
enough to breathe.

Air Pollution

Air pollution involves the release into the atmosphere of gases, finely divided solids,
or finely dispersed liquid aerosols at rates that exceed the capacity of the atmosphere to
dissipate them or to dispose of them through incorporation into solid or liquid layers of the
biosphere. Air pollution results from a variety of causes, not all of which are within human
control. .Air pollution may affect humans directly, causing a smarting of the eyes or
coughing. Pollution continued to increase as a result of the increased number of motor
vehicles. Exhaust fumes from the engines of automobiles contain a number of polluting

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substances, including carbon monoxide and a variety of complex hydrocarbons, nitrogen
oxides, and other compounds. When acted upon by sunlight, these substances undergo a
change in composition producing the brown, photochemical smog. Efforts to reduce
pollution from automobile engines and to develop pollution-free engines may eventually
eliminate the more serious air pollution problems. Air pollution has a serious effect and has
caused respiratory distress, particularly in children, elderly people, and those suffering from
respiratory diseases.

Sources of air pollutants

The two main sources of pollutants in urban areas are transportation (predominantly
automobiles) and fuel combustion in stationary sources, including residential, commercial,
and industrial heating and cooling and coal-burning power plants. Motor vehicles produce
high levels of carbon monoxides (CO) and a major source of hydrocarbons (HC) and
nitrogen oxides (NOx). Whereas, fuel combustion in stationary sources is the dominant
source of sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the major pollutants in the atmosphere. Major
sources of CO2 are fossil fuels burning and deforestation. CO2 is a good transmitter of
sunlight, but partially restricts infrared radiation going back from the earth into space. This
produces the so-called greenhouse effect that prevents a drastic cooling of the Earth during
the night. Increasing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere reinforces this effect and is
expected to result in a warming of the Earth's surface. Currently carbon dioxide is
responsible for 57% of the global warming trend. Nitrogen oxides contribute most of the
atmospheric contaminants.

N0X - nitric oxide (N0) and nitrogen dioxide (N02)

Natural component of the Earth's atmosphere

Important in the formation of both acid precipitation and photochemical smog (ozone),
and causes nitrogen loading.
Comes from the burning of biomass and fossil fuels
30 to 50 million tons per year from human activities, and natural 10 to 20 million tons per
year
Average residence time in the atmosphere is days
Has a role in reducing stratospheric ozone

N20 - nitrous oxide

Natural component of the Earth's atmosphere

Important in the greenhouse effect and causes nitrogen loading
Human inputs 6 million tons per year, and 19 million tons per year by nature
Residence time in the atmosphere about 170 years
1700 (285 parts per billion), 1990 (310 parts per billion), 2030 (340 parts per billion)
Comes from nitrogen based fertilizers, deforestation, and biomass burning

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Sulfur and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Sulfur dioxide is produced by combustion of sulfur-containing fuels, such as coal and

fuel oils. Also, in the process of producing sulfuric acid and in metallurgical process involving
ores that contain sulfur. Sulfur oxides can injure man, plants and materials. At sufficiently
high concentrations, sulfur dioxide irritates the upper respiratory tract of human beings
because the potential effect of sulfur dioxide is to make breathing more difficult by causing
the finer air tubes of the lung to constrict. Almost 60% of the SO2 emissions are released by
tall smoke stakes, enabling the emissions to travel long distances. As emissions of sulfur
dioxide and nitric oxide from stationary sources are transported long distances by winds,
they form secondary pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, nitric acid vapor, and droplets
containing solutions of sulfuric acid, sulfate, and nitrate salts. These chemicals descend to
the earth's surface in wet form as rain or snow and in dry form as gases fog, dew, or solid
particles. This is known as acid deposition or acid rain.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

CFCs are lowering the average concentration of ozone in the stratosphere.

Chlorofluorocarbons move up to the stratosphere gradually over several decades. Under
high energy ultra violet (UV) radiation, they break down and release chlorine atoms, which
speed up the breakdown of ozone (O3) into oxygen gas (O2).

Chlorofluorocarbons, also known as Freons, are greenhouse gases that contribute to

global warming. Photochemical air pollution is commonly referred to as "smog". Smog, a
contraction of the words smoke and fog, has been caused throughout recorded history by
water condensing on smoke particles, usually from burning coal. With the introduction of
petroleum to replace coal economies in countries, photochemical smog has become
predominant in many cities, which are located in sunny, warm, and dry climates with many
motor vehicles. The worst episodes of photochemical smog tend to occur in summer.

Smog

Photochemical smog is created by burning coal and heavy oil that contain sulfur
impurities in power plants, industrial plants, etc. The smog consists mostly of a mixture of
sulfur dioxide and fog. Suspended droplets of sulfuric acid are formed from some of the
sulfur dioxide, and a variety of suspended solid particles. Smog's unpleasant properties
result from the irradiation by sunlight of hydrocarbons caused primarily by unburned
gasoline emitted by automobiles and other combustion sources. The products of
photochemical reactions includes organic particles, ozone, aldehydes, ketones,
peroxyacetyl nitrate, organic acids, and other oxidants. Ozone is a gas created by nitrogen
dioxide or nitric oxide when exposed to sunlight. Ozone causes eye irritation, impaired lung
function, and damage to trees and crops. Another form of smog is called industrial smog.

What you will do

24
 Self-Test 4.1

Direction: Draw a line that connects the statement on the left with the statement on
the right:

1. It is the layer of the a. atmosphere

atmosphere that is
characterized by an
increase in temperature due
to the concentration of
ozone
2. It is the lowermost layer of b. troposphere
the atmosphere that is c. stratosphere
characterized by a decrease
in temperature with height
3. It is the layer of the d. ionosphere
atmosphere that is
immediately above the
stratosphere
4. It is called the “blanket of air e. ozone layer
5. It is the state of the f. mesosphere
atmosphere at a particular g. thermosphere
place during a short period
of time
6. It is caused by the earth-sun h. air pollution
relationship
7. It is the condition of the i. weather
atmosphere at a particular
location over a long period of
time
8. It is formed through the J. climate
process of precipitation
9. It is the warming of the K. season
earth's surface
10. It involves the release into l. global warming
the atmosphere of gases,
finely divided solids, or finely
dispersed liquid aerosols
11. It is a tool used to measure m. small cups spin
the amount of precipitation
that falls.
12.It is a/an instrument used to n. rain gauge
measure temperatures.
Mercury inside the o. hygrometer
thermometer rises or falls
as it expands or contracts

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 from changes in
temperature.
13. It is a tool used to measure p. barometer
the direction the wind
14. It is a tool used to measure q. anemometer
the atmospheric (air)
pressure which is then used r. thermometer
to forecast the weather.
15. It is a tool used to measure s. stratus clouds
the amount of humidity or
moisture in the air. The t. nimbus clouds
higher the humidity, the
more moisture is in the air
16. It is a tool used to tell wind
speed.
17. These are very high, u. cumulus clouds
wispy clouds made of ice.
Even in the summer, cirrus v. cirrus clouds
clouds are made of ice
because it is cold high above w. rain
Earth.
x. wind vane
18. These are large clouds;
look like huge puffs of cotton.
Sometimes these clouds look
like animals or familiar things.
19. These clouds tell us that
it will rain
20. These clouds are made
up of low layers of clouds that
usually cover the whole sky
and blot out the sun.

Key to answers on page 30

26
 Let’s summarize

1. Earth’s grid or coordinate system

o Latitude is a measurement on a globe or map of location north or south of the
equator. It is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds
o Longitude is a measurement of location east or west of the prime meridian at
Greenwich. It is the amount of arc created by drawing first a line from the
center of the Earth to the intersection of the equator and the prime meridian
and then another line from the center of the earth to any point elsewhere on
the Equator.
2. Composition of the Atmosphere
The atmosphere is primarily composed of:
Nitrogen (N2, 78%),
Oxygen (O2, 21%),
Argon (Ar, 1%).
A myriad of other very influential components are also present which include the
water (H2O, 0 - 7%), "greenhouse" gases or Ozone (0 - 0.01%), Carbon Dioxide
(CO2, 0.01-0.1%),
3. Layers of the Earth’s Atmosphere
o The mesosphere is the "Middle sphere" and is the coldest layer of the
atmosphere.
o The stratosphere extends from the top of the tropopause to about 50 km (31
miles). The temperature begins to increase in this layer because it contains the
highest concentration of ozone.
o The ozone layer both protect life on earth. The layer of gaseous ozone in the
upper atmosphere that blocks radiation.
o The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where all weather
occurs.
4. Changes in the Atmosphere:
ƒ Season is caused by the earth-sun relationship. It is any of four divisions of the
year according to consistent annual changes in the weather.
ƒ Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a particular place during a short period
of time.
ƒ Climate is the condition of the atmosphere at a particular location over a long
period of time. Climatic change is due to the following factors:
o Greenhouse effect is the warming of the earth's surface and lower
atmosphere that tends to intensify with an increase in atmospheric carbon
dioxide. The atmosphere allows a large percentage of the rays of visible
light from the sun to reach the earth's surface and heat it.
o Global warming is a potential increase in average global atmospheric
temperatures resulting from the greenhouse effect.
o Air pollution involves the release into the atmosphere of gases, finely
divided solids, or finely dispersed liquid aerosols at rates that exceed the
capacity of the atmosphere to dissipate them or to dispose of them.

27
 Posttest

Follow the instructions given in each number:

1 – 4. Label the diagram as to the different parts of the earth:

1.
2.

3.
4.

5. The earth is tilted by ___________.

6. The is covered by a blanket of air called the ____________.

7 – 9. Enumerate the layers of the earth’s atmosphere according to decreasing

temperature.

10. The warming of the earth’s atmosphere due to the presence of too much carbon
dioxide is called __________.

11 – 12. What are some changes in the earth’s atmosphere?

13 – 16. Give at least three (3) air pollutants.

17. An imaginary line that divides the places the earth in an EAST-WEST direction is the:
a. Equator b. latitude c. longitude d. prime meridian

18. The Great Circle is also known as the

a. Equator b. latitude c. longitude d. prime meridian

19. The 180° meridian is also called

a. Equator b. latitude c. longitude d. prime meridian

20. An imaginary line that divides the places the earth in a NORTH-SOUTH direction is the:
a. Equator b. latitude c. longitude d. prime meridian

28
21. Which of the following statement describes the temperature in the troposphere and
stratosphere?
a. The troposphere is hotter than the stratosphere
b. The stratosphere is hotter than the troposphere
c. Low temperature exists in the troposphere and stratosphere.
d. The temperature in the troposphere is equal to the temperature of the
stratosphere.

22. Arrange the following layers of the atmosphere from the earth’s reference.
A - ozone layer a. A – B – C - D
B – stratosphere b. B – C – D - A
C – troposhere c. C – D – A - B
D - mesophere d. C – A - B – D

23. What part of the atmosphere has no weather disturbance?

a. ozone layer b. stratosphere c. troposhere d. mesosphere

24. Which part of the atmosphere protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays?
a. ozone layer b. stratosphere c. troposhere d. mesosphere

25. There are _____ seasons on earth.

a. one (1) b. two (2) c. three (3) d. four (4)

Key to answers on page 30

29
 Key to Answers

Pre-test: A. 1. c B. 1. d
2. a 2. b
3. d 3. c
4. b 4. a
5. a 5. c
6. d 6. j
7. b 7. e
8. a 8. g
9. d 9. f
10. c 10. i.

Activity 1.1:

POINTS ON THE PARALLEL OF PARALLEL OF

GLOBE LATITUDES LONGITUDES
A 30°N 60°E
B 30°S 30°W
C 0° 90°W
D 45°N 75°W
E 10°N 25°W

Self-Test 1.1

POINTS ON THE PARALLEL OF PARALLEL OF

GLOBE LATITUDES LONGITUDES
1 60°N 15°W
2 45°N 15°E
3 30°N 45°E
4 75°N 15°W
5 15°N 15°W
6 7.5°N 7.5°E
7 30°S 45°W
8 60°S 45°W
9 45°S 30°W
10 22.5°S 60°E

30
Activity 2.1

gonar parethomse genortin therosphere smehporeoh

5. argon 2. nitrogen 4. mesophere
1. atmosphere 3. troposhoere

Self- Test 2.1

OXYGEN

NITROGEN ARGON

Self-Test 3.1

1. atmosphere
2. troposphere
3. ozone layer
4. mesosphere
5. altitude and temperature

Self – Test 4.1

1. e 11. n
2. b 12. r
3. f 13. x
4. a 14. p
5. I 15. o
6. k 16. q
7. d 17. c
8. w 18. u
9. l 19. t
10. h 20. s

Posttest:
1. longitude 8. stratosphere 19. a
2. prime meridian 9. ozone layer 20. b
3. equator 10. mesosphere 21. a
4. latitude 11. greenhouse effect 22. d
5. 23.5° 12 – 14. season, weather, climate 23. b
6. atmosphere 15 – 17. CFCs, CO, CO2, NOx, SO2 24. a

31
 7. troposphere 18. c 25. d

References

Coble, C.R., et. Al. (1991). Earth Science. New Jersey, U.S.A.: Prentice Hall

Tarbuck, E.J. and F.K. Lutgens. (1995). Earth Science. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, U.S.A.: Prentice Hall

http://kids.earth.nasa.gov/archive/pangaea/evidence.html. (Accessed October 4, 2004)

http://www.edu.pe.ca/southernkings/landforms.htm, (Accessed October 4, 2004)

http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/dirt/formation.html. (Accessed October 4, 2004)

http://soils.usda.gov/education/facts/formation.html. (Accessed October 4, 2004)

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