CHEMISTRY OF

THE ATMOSPHERE
CHEMISTRY FOR ENGINEERS
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY

Atmospheric chemistry is a branch of atmospheric

science in which the chemistry of the Earth's
atmosphere and that of other planets is studied. It is
a multidisciplinary approach of research and draws
on environmental
chemistry, physics, meteorology, computer
modeling, oceanography, geology and volcanology and
other disciplines. Research is increasingly connected with
other arenas of study such as climatology.
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY

The composition and chemistry of the Earth's

atmosphere is of importance for several reasons,
but primarily because of the interactions between
the atmosphere and living organisms. The
composition of the Earth's atmosphere changes as
result of natural processes such
as volcano emissions, lightning and bombardment
by solar particles from corona. 
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY

It has also been changed by human activity and

some of these changes are harmful to human
health, crops and ecosystems. Examples of
problems which have been addressed by
atmospheric chemistry include acid rain, ozone
depletion, photochemical smog, greenhouse
gases and global warming. 
COMPOSITION OF AIR

According to NASA, the gases in Earth's

atmosphere include:
 Nitrogen — 78 percent
 Oxygen — 21 percent
 Argon — 0.93 percent
 Carbon dioxide — 0.04 percent
 Traceamounts of neon, helium, methane,
krypton and hydrogen, as well as water
vapor
ATMOSPHERE LAYERS
Earth's atmosphere is divided into five main layers:
the exosphere, the thermosphere, the mesosphere, the
stratosphere and the troposphere. 

There is no distinct boundary between the atmosphere and

space, but an imaginary line about 62 miles (100
kilometers) from the surface, called the Karman line, is
usually where scientists say atmosphere meets outer
space.
ATMOSPHERE LAYERS

The TROPOSPHERE is the layer closest to Earth's

surface. It is 4 to 12 miles (7 to 20 km) thick and
contains half of Earth's atmosphere. Air is warmer near
the ground and gets colder higher up. Nearly all of the
water vapor and dust in the atmosphere are in this layer
and that is why clouds are found here.
ATMOSPHERE LAYERS

The stratosphere is the second layer. It starts above

the troposphere and ends about 31 miles (50 km) above
ground. Ozone is abundant here and it heats the
atmosphere while also absorbing harmful radiation from
the sun. The air here is very dry, and it is about a
thousand times thinner here than it is at sea level.
Because of that, this is where jet aircraft and weather
balloons fly.
ATMOSPHERE LAYERS

The mesosphere starts at 31 miles (50 km) and

extends to 53 miles (85 km) high. The top of the
mesosphere, called the mesopause, is the coldest part
of Earth's atmosphere, with temperatures averaging
about minus 130 degrees F (minus 90 C). This layer is
hard to study. Jets and balloons don't go high enough,
and satellites and space shuttles orbit too high.
Scientists do know that meteors burn up in this layer.
ATMOSPHERE LAYERS

The thermosphere extends from about 56 miles (90

km) to between 310 and 620 miles (500 and 1,000 km).
Temperatures can get up to 2,700 degrees F (1,500 C)
at this altitude. The thermosphere is considered part of
Earth's atmosphere, but air density is so low that most
of this layer is what is normally thought of as outer
space. In fact, this is where the space shuttles flew and
where the International Space Station orbits Earth. 
ATMOSPHERE LAYERS

This is also the layer where the auroras occur. Charged

particles from space collide with atoms and molecules
in the thermosphere, exciting them into higher states of
energy. The atoms shed this excess energy by emitting
photons of light, which we see as the colorful Aurora
Borealis and Aurora Australis.
ATMOSPHERE LAYERS

The exosphere, the highest layer, is extremely thin

and is where the atmosphere merges into outer space.
It is composed of very widely dispersed particles of
hydrogen and helium.
CLIMATE & WEATHER
Earth's global climate is an average of regional
climates. The global climate has cooled and warmed
throughout history. Today, we are seeing unusually
rapid warming. The scientific consensus is that
greenhouse gases, which are increasing because of
human activities, are trapping heat in the atmosphere.
GREENHOUSE GASES

 A greenhouse gas is a gas that absorbs and emits

radiant energy within the thermal infrared range.
Increasing greenhouse gas emissions cause
the greenhouse effect.
 Theprimary greenhouse gases in Earth's
atmosphere are water vapor, carbon
dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone. Without
greenhouse gases, the average temperature of Earth's
surface would be about −18 °C (0 °F),rather than the
present average of 15 °C (59 °F).
GREENHOUSE GASES
Greenhouse gases are those that absorb and emit infrared radiation in
the wavelength range emitted by Earth.  In order, the most abundant
greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere are:
 Water vapor (H2O)
 Carbon dioxide (CO2)
 Methane (CH4)
 Nitrous oxide (N2O)
 Ozone (O3)
 Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
 Hydro fluorocarbons (incl. HCFCs and HFCs)
GREENHOUSE GASES
Atmospheric concentrations are determined by the
balance between sources (emissions of the gas from
human activities and natural systems) and sinks (the
removal of the gas from the atmosphere by
conversion to a different chemical compound or
absorption by bodies of water).
GREENHOUSE GASES
 Some gases in the Earth’s atmosphere absorb infrared radiation.
One of these is carbon dioxide. Even though carbon dioxide is
only about 0.04 per cent of the atmosphere, it is a very important
greenhouse gas because it absorbs infrared well.

 Methane and carbon dioxide are greenhouse gases. They

absorb heat energy and prevent it escaping into space. This keeps
the Earth warmer than it would be without these gases.
greenhouse gases are not a bad thing in themselves, but too
much of them in the atmosphere leads to global warming.
GREENHOUSE GASES
 Carbon dioxide is produced by burning fossil fuels. When land is
cleared for timber and farms, there are fewer trees to perform the
important task of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
by photosynthesis. 
 In addition, if the fallen trees are burned or left to rot, additional
carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. These factors are
particularly important in tropical areas, where forests might be
cleared to make way for cattle farms. Then, not only are there
fewer trees left to absorb carbon dioxide, but the graph burning
trees release carbon dioxide and the cattle release methane.
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
GREENHOUSE EFFECT

 The greenhouse effect is the process by which

radiation from a planet's atmosphere warms the
planet's surface to a temperature above what it
would be without its atmosphere.
GREENHOUSE EFFECT

 Ifa planet's atmosphere contains radiatively active

gases (i.e., greenhouse gases) they will radiate
energy in all directions. Part of this radiation is
directed towards the surface, warming it. The
intensity of the downward radiation – that is, the
strength of the greenhouse effect – will depend on
the atmosphere's temperature and on the amount
of greenhouse gases that the atmosphere contains.
GREENHOUSE EFFECT

 Earth’s natural greenhouse effect is critical to

supporting life. Human activities, mainly the burning
of fossil fuels and clearing of forests, have
strengthened the greenhouse effect and
caused global warming.
GLOBAL WARMING

 Globalwarming is the term used to describe a

gradual increase in the average temperature of the
Earth's atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is
believed to be permanently changing the Earth’s
climate. 
GLOBAL WARMING

 Scientists often use the term "climate change" instead

of global warming. This is because as the Earth's
average temperature climbs, winds and ocean currents
move heat around the globe in ways that can cool
some areas, warm others, and change the amount of
rain and snow falling. As a result, the climate changes
differently in different areas.
GLOBAL WARMING

Global carbon dioxide 
emissions by country.
EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING
EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING

 Meltingglaciers, early snowmelt, and severe

droughts will cause more dramatic water shortages
and increase the risk of wildfires in the American
West.
EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING
 Risingsea levels will lead to coastal flooding on the
Eastern Seaboard, especially in Florida, and in other
areas such as the Gulf of Mexico.
EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING

 Forests,
farms, and cities will face troublesome new
pests, heat waves, heavy downpours, and
increased flooding. All those factors will damage or
destroy agriculture and fisheries.
EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING

 Disruption of
habitats such as
coral reefs and
Alpine meadows
could drive many
plant and animal
species to extinction.
EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING

 Allergies, asthma, and infectious disease outbreaks

will become more common due to increased
growth of pollen-producing ragweed, higher levels
of air pollution, and the spread of conditions
favorable to pathogens and mosquitoes.
Common Atmospheric
Pollutants And Their Sources
PARTICULATE MATTER

Particulate matter, also known as particle pollution or PM, is

a term that describes extremely small solid particles and
liquid droplets suspended in air. Particulate matter can be
made up of a variety of components including nitrates,
sulphates, organic chemicals, metals, soil or dust particles,
and allergens (such as fragments of pollen or mould
spores).
Common Atmospheric
Pollutants And Their Sources
PARTICULATE MATTER

Particle pollution mainly comes from motor vehicles, wood

burning heaters and industry. During bushfires or dust
storms, particle pollution can reach extremely high
concentrations
Common Atmospheric
Pollutants And Their Sources
PARTICULATE MATTER

The size of particles affects their potential to cause health

problems:
 PM10 (particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less):
these particles are small enough to pass through the throat
and nose and enter the lungs. Once inhaled, these particles
can affect the heart and lungs and cause serious health
effects.
Common Atmospheric
Pollutants And Their Sources
PARTICULATE MATTER

 PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or

less): these particles are so small they can get deep into
the lungs and into the bloodstream. There is sufficient
evidence that exposure to PM2.5 over long periods (years)
can cause adverse health effects. Note that PM10 includes
PM2.5.
Common Atmospheric Pollutants
And Their Sources

NITROGEN DIOXIDE

Nitrogen dioxide is a highly reactive gas formed by

emissions from motor vehicles, industry, unflued gas-heaters
and gas stove tops. High concentrations can be found
especially near busy roads and indoors where unflued gas-
heaters are in use.
Common Atmospheric Pollutants
And Their Sources

NITROGEN DIOXIDE

Other indoor sources can be from cigarette smoke or from

cooking with gas. Outdoors, nitrogen dioxide contributes to
the formation of ground-level ozone (O3) as well as
particulate matter pollution. Nitrogen dioxide is a respiratory
irritant and has a variety of adverse health effects on the
respiratory system.
Common Atmospheric Pollutants
And Their Sources

CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless gas which

forms when the carbon in fuels doesn’t completely burn. It is
usually generated by motor vehicles and industry but can
also be formed during bushfires. Indoors, carbon monoxide is
formed by unflued gas heaters, wood-burning heaters, and
contained in cigarette smoke.
Common Atmospheric Pollutants
And Their Sources

CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)

Carbon monoxide levels are typically highest during cold

weather, because cold temperatures make combustion less
complete and traps pollutants close to the ground.
Common Atmospheric Pollutants
And Their Sources

CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)

Carbon monoxide can cause harmful health effects by

reducing the amount of oxygen reaching the body’s organs
(like the heart and brain) and tissues. At extremely high
levels, carbon monoxide can cause death (carbon monoxide
poisoning).
Common Atmospheric Pollutants
And Their Sources

SULFUR DIOXIDE

Sulfur dioxide is highly reactive gas with a pungent irritating

smell. It is formed by fossil fuel combustion at power plants
and other industrial facilities.
Common Atmospheric Pollutants
And Their Sources
SULFUR DIOXIDE

Natural processes that release sulfur gases include

decomposition and combustion of organic matter, spray from
the sea, and volcanic eruptions. It contributes to the
formation of particulate matter pollution. Sulfur dioxide
irritates the lining of the nose, throat and lungs and may
worsen existing respiratory illness especially asthma. It has
also been found to exacerbate cardiovascular diseases.
PLATE NO. 6
1. Name and give the chemical formula of five gases that
scientists speculate were found in the Earth’s early
atmosphere.
2. State how the Earth’s early atmosphere was probably
formed during its first billion years of existence.
3. Show the percentage proportions of gases in the Earth’s
atmosphere today.
4. Explain the origins of nitrogen gas in the early atmosphere
and suggest why its percentage of the composition of air
remains so high. 
5. Explain how most of the carbon dioxide in the Earth’s early
atmosphere was removed to arrive at a level of around
PLATE NO. 6
6. Name three greenhouse gases.
7.  Explain how increasing the levels of these gases in the
atmosphere gases can result in a rise in the temperature of the
Earth’s atmosphere.
8. Explain how boiling an electric kettle may increase the
amount of carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere.
9. List three reasons why the amount of carbon dioxide in the
Earth’s atmosphere has increased so much in the recent past. 
10. Explain the process of carbon capture and storage’ (CCS)
and why it could be important. 
1. List three possible consequences of global climate
change. 
2. Describe why these consequences are difficult to predict.
3. Suggest and explain the relationship between a nation’s
wealth and its emissions of carbon dioxide. Explain your
reasoning.
4. State two other ways in which greenhouse gases can be
reduced.
5. Suggest why hydrogen would be a better alternative to
carbon-based fuels. 
6. What are the products of the complete combustion of
a hydrocarbon and which environmental problems do
they cause?
When fossil fuels burn, which element present in impurities
can produce sulfur dioxide?
Which pollution problem does sulfur dioxide gas contribute
to?
Which other non-metal oxides released from cars also cause
this pollution problem? 
How are the following substances produced when fuels burn
in vehicles:
a. sulfur dioxide.
B. nitrogen oxides
c. Particulates
Explain why carbon monoxide is so dangerous.
State the main reason why levels of carbon dioxide in the
Earth’s atmosphere have increased so sharply over the past
100 years.
Explain the effect of planting more trees on the levels of
carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere.
 Discuss how you can help reduce the levels of carbon
dioxide in the air by changing your lifestyles.