1-9: Ozone Reactions: Physics and Chemistry of the Stratosphere

Importance of this Unit to the Course

Atmospheric conditions in the upper atmosphere as described in previous units create conditions of temperature and radiation beyond the range of those present near the Earth's surface. These conditions transform certain environmentally benign chemicals into materials detrimental to humans and ecosystems as will be discussed in later units.

Objectives

To review atmospheric measurements of manmade chemicals and concurrent measurements of stratospheric ozone.
To understand the atmospheric conditions, chemicals, and complex reactions leading to ozone depletion in certain regions of the atmosphere.

Preparation for Discussion (You must complete this section before class.)

Read the summary information. (Print text for offline review; images only.)

Take the Quiz over the summary information. (see your portfolio)

Review additional reading material (this material is not covered in the quiz, but offers more ideas for online discussion)

Discussion (online / face-to-face) (See your portfolio for due dates and times)

A major component of the course is participation in the online dialog. The following types of comments are required:

Social Comments
Knowledge-building Comments
Ethical Comments

The following may be used as discussion starters for the online dialog:

Unit Problem to Ponder:

If we have too much ozone in the troposphere in large cities and too little in the stratosphere, why can't we just pipe it up from the cities to the lower stratosphere (the level where jet aircraft fly)?
Unit exam questions from previous years
Unit discussions from previous years, available from the current online discussion

Additional Reading