IB Environmental Systems: Atmospheric Systems Revision

Atmospheric Systems is a core part of IB Environmental Systems. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.

Key concepts

Atmospheric layersTroposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere; temperature rises with height through the stratosphere (an inversion) because ozone absorbs UV.

Ozone layerO3 in stratosphere 15-35 km altitude; absorbs UV-B 280-315 nm; thinned by CFCs.

Montreal Protocol1987 international treaty phasing out CFCs and halons; ozone recovery on track by ~2070.

Photochemical smogNOx and VOC + sunlight produce ground-level ozone and PAN; respiratory irritant.

Acid depositionWet/dry fallout of H2SO4 and HNO3 from SO2 and NOx emissions; damages forests and lakes.

Greenhouse gasesCO2, CH4, N2O, H2O, fluorinated gases absorb outgoing longwave; quantified by GWP.

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▶ Two Truths, One Lie ▶ Reveal Race ▶ Connections Grid ▶ Falling Words ▶ Word Web

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Atmospheric Systems

Key concepts

Practise Atmospheric Systems — free games

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