Visualizing Environmental Science

Critical and Creative Thinking Questions 215

Critical and Creative Thinking Questions

1. What two gases comprise most of the atmosphere? Which
   two gasses have the greatest effect on life on Earth?


2. The atmosphere of Earth has been compared to the peel
   covering an apple. Explain the comparison.


3. What basic forces determine the circulation of the
   atmosphere? Describe the general directions of atmospheric
   circulation.


4. Distinguish between primary and secondary air pollutants.
   Give examples of each.


5. Distinguish between mobile and stationary sources of air
   pollution.


6. In what ways does agriculture impact air quality?


7. The graphs below represent air pollutant measurements
   taken at two different locations. Which location is indoors,
   and which is outdoors? Explain your answer.


8. The graph below shows air pollutant levels in a city in the
   Northern Hemisphere, measured throughout a year. Is
   this city likely to be found in a developing country or in a
   developed country? Why?

Levels of air pollutants

High

Low

Location 1

High

Low

Location 2

Formaldehyde

Radon

Sulfuric acid

Methane

Particulate

matter

Sulfur

oxides

Levels of air pollutants

High

JFMAMJJASOND

Low

11. This figure shows phase I vapor recovery from an
    underground gasoline storage tank. Before phase I vapor
    recovery was developed, gasoline vapors were vented
    directly into the air. Now the vapor is vented through Hose B
    into the truck and returned to the gasoline depot, where it is
    condensed or burned. Which of the following does gasoline
    vapor recovery control: photochemical smog, urban heat
    islands, or dust domes? Explain.

Vapor

Gasoline

Hose B

(Vapor tube)

Hose A

(Gasoline tube)

✓✓THE PLANNER

8. One of the most effective ways to reduce the threat of radon-
   induced lung cancer is to quit smoking. Explain.


9. What air pollutants do the 1990 amendments to the Clean
   Air Act target?


10. During a formal debate on the hazards of air pollution, one
    team argues that ozone is helpful to the atmosphere, and
    the other team argues that it is destructive. Under which
    conditions is each team’s arguments correct?


11. Identify the major sources of particulate matter near
    where you live. What actions could you take to reduce
    particulate matter? What laws or regulations limit
    particulate matter in your region?

Sustainable Citizen Question