PHYS 1130 - Introduction to Meteorology
Chapter 1. Earth and Its Atmosphere
Reading
Chapter 1, “Overview of Earth’s Atmosphere” pages 7-10
Composition of Today’s Atmosphere
Instruction
Sources: Methods that add a compound to the atmosphere
Sinks: Methods that remove a compound from the atmosphere
Total amount depends on the balance between sources and sinks:
If the sources produce more than the sinks can remove, then the total amount increases
If the sources produce less than the sinks can remove, then the total amount decreases
If the sources and sinks are balanced, then the total amount remains the same
Review Questions
On a particular day, carbon dioxide is produced in a small city with these major sources:
respiration (produces 50,000 kg in a day)
running cars (produces 246,000 kg a day)
generation of electricity (produces 150,000 kg a day)
This is offset by three major sinks:
photosynthesis of a nearby forest (absorbs 109,500 kg a day)
marine life in a nearby lake (absorbs 7,500 kg a day)
microbs in soil (absorbs 35,400 kg a day)
Will there be an overall increase or decrease in carbon dioxide on this day?
After solving on your own, check the
## Question 1.3.1
1. On a particular day, carbon dioxide is produced in a small city with these major sources:
* respiration (produces 50,000 kg in a day)
* running cars (produces 246,000 kg a day)
* generation of electricity (produces 150,000 kg a day)
This is offset by three major sinks:
* photosynthesis of a nearby forest (absorbs 109,500 kg a day)
* marine life in a nearby lake (absorbs 7,500 kg a day)
* microbs in soil (absorbs 35,400 kg a day)
The total produced by sources is 50,000 kg + 246,000 kg + 150,000 kg = 293,600 kg.
The total absorbed by sinks is 109,500 kg + 7,500 kg + 35,400 kg = 152,400 kg
Since there is more carbon dioxide produced, __the carbon dioxide levels will increase during this day__.