M1 Review and Assesment

Using the module learning objectives, here is a short review of the material in this module:

1. The atmosphere is primarily made up of Nitrogen, Oxygen, Argon, Neon, Helium, Hydrogen, and Xenon, in relatively constant concentrations.
2. Other trace gases exist in the atmosphere with much more variable concentrations. With the exception of water vapor, most of these exist in very small concentrations, and are measured in parts per million, or even parts per billion.
3. The atmosphere is generally broken up into 5 layers based on different conditions in each layer. These layers are:
   • The troposphere
   • The stratosphere
   • The mesosphere
   • The thermosphere
   • The exosphere
4. Air quality is generally defined in terms of pollutants produced by anthropogenic sources.
   • NOx
   • SO₂
   • VOCs
   • O₃
   • Aerosols
5. In addition to being a pollutant, ozone also plays a large role in the greenhouse affect, as it is the primary blocker of solar ultraviolet light.

Module Self-Assessment Test