PYTR Class

Log in

Category: ESS Topic 6 Atmosphere

  • ESS 6.4.3 [AHL] Further About Ozone Depletion

    ESS 6.4.3 [AHL] Further About Ozone Depletion

    Learning Objectives Ozone Reactions with CFCs and HCFCs Ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) release halogens such as chlorine and fluorine into the stratosphere, where they catalyze the breakdown of ozone molecules. The ozone layer is essential for sustaining life on Earth, as it forms a thin, protective shield over the planet through atmospheric circulation. Without this stratospheric…

    · ,
  • ESS 6.4.2 Ozone Depletion

    ESS 6.4.2 Ozone Depletion

    Learning Objectives Evidence and Causes of Ozone Depletion Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODSs) Substance Type Contains Chlorine? Contains Hydrogen? Ozone-Depleting Substance (ODS)? Greenhouse Gas (GHG)? Environmental Impact / Notes CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) – phased out ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Strongly deplete the ozone layer; highly stable in the atmosphere; banned under the Montreal Protocol.…

    · ,
  • ESS 6.4.1 The UV and Ozone

    ESS 6.4.1 The UV and Ozone

    Learning Objectives Solar Radiation The Sun emits electromagnetic (EM) radiation across a wide spectrum of wavelengths, ranging from low-frequency radio waves to high-frequency gamma rays. This electromagnetic spectrum encompasses infrared (IR) radiation, visible light, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, each playing distinct roles within the Earth’s biosphere. Nearly all energy available at the Earth’s surface originates…

    · ,
  • ESS 6.3.3 [AHL] Responses to Climate Change

    ESS 6.3.3 [AHL] Responses to Climate Change

    Learning Objectives Responses to Climate Change Responses to climate change are coordinated by a diverse range of actors, including the United Nations, regional alliances, national governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), activist groups, the media, and other stakeholders. These responses encompass a variety of approaches, such as: Impact of the UNFCCC Geoengineering as a Climate Mitigation Strategy…

    · ,
  • ESS 6.3.2 Mitigation of Climate Change

    ESS 6.3.2 Mitigation of Climate Change

    Learning Objectives Mitigation Strategies Mitigation refers to measures aimed at reducing the severity or impact of a problem. In the context of climate change, mitigation involves two primary approaches: (1) reducing or eliminating the sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and (2) removing GHGs from the atmosphere after they have been emitted. Given that GHG…

    · ,
  • ESS 6.3.1 Global Action on Climate Change

    ESS 6.3.1 Global Action on Climate Change

    Learning Objectives Abstract To mitigate the risk of catastrophic climate change, coordinated global action is both necessary and ongoing. For over three decades, the United Nations (UN) has played a central role in urging national governments to implement measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly carbon dioxide. Although many nations have undertaken efforts…

    · ,
  • ESS 6.2.3 [AHL] Further about the Impacts of Climate Change

    ESS 6.2.3 [AHL] Further about the Impacts of Climate Change

    Learning Objectives Abstract Global climate models (GCMs) are sophisticated computational tools that simulate the Earth’s climate system by manipulating input variables and applying mathematical equations to represent the physical processes and interactions that drive climate dynamics. The reliability of these models is commonly evaluated through hindcasting, a method that compares simulated outputs with historical climate…

    · ,
  • ESS 6.2.2 Impacts of Climate Change

    ESS 6.2.2 Impacts of Climate Change

    Learning Objectives Climate Change and Carbon Cycles Anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) have intensified the natural greenhouse effect. Human activities have introduced substantial quantities of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) into the atmosphere, alongside smaller amounts of other GHGs, contributing to global warming and climate change. In the absence of…

    · ,
  • ESS 6.1.3 [AHL] Dynamic Earth’s Atmosphere

    ESS 6.1.3 [AHL] Dynamic Earth’s Atmosphere

    Learning Objectives Even when the Earth is conceptualized as a closed system, its atmosphere is influenced by a wide range of factors, including: hysical ProcessesAtmospheric physical processes encompass air circulation and the greenhouse effect. Variations in air pressure represent the fundamental driver of atmospheric motion. Beyond pressure gradient forces, wind and ocean current dynamics are…

    · ,
  • ESS 6.2.1 Evidence & Causes of Climate Change

    ESS 6.2.1 Evidence & Causes of Climate Change

    Learning Objectives Abstract Climate is shaped by atmospheric physical processes, yet anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions have driven a significant rise in atmospheric concentrations, with emission rates accelerating notably since 1950. Proxy records such as ice cores, tree rings, and sediments demonstrate a positive correlation between CO₂ levels and global temperatures, evidencing the enhanced greenhouse effect…

    · ,
  • ESS 6.1.2 GHGs and Greenhouse Effect

    ESS 6.1.2 GHGs and Greenhouse Effect

    Learning Objectives Greenhouse Gasses (GHGs) and Aerosols Greenhouse Gasses The principal greenhouse gases (GHGs) present in the atmosphere include: Greenhouse gases allow the transmission of incoming short-wave solar radiation but absorb outgoing long-wave radiation, owing to differences in wavelength between the two processes. While most greenhouse gases contribute to atmospheric warming, certain components can exert…

    · ,
  • ESS 6.1.1 The Earth’s Atmosphere

    ESS 6.1.1 The Earth’s Atmosphere

    Learning Objectives The Earth’s Vertical Atmospheric Structure The atmosphere represents the transitional boundary between the Earth and outer space and plays a critical role as the outermost limit of the biosphere. Its composition and dynamic processes are fundamental to sustaining life. It is composed predominantly of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%), with the remaining 1%…

    · ,