What is atmospheric chemistry?
Q: What is atmospheric chemistry?
A: Atmospheric chemistry is a branch of science in which the chemistry of the Earth's atmosphere and that of other planets is studied. It draws on multiple disciplines, such as environmental chemistry, physics, meteorology, computer modeling, oceanography, geology and volcanology.
Q: How does studying the atmosphere include studying living organisms?
A: Research into atmospheric chemistry also includes studying the interactions between the atmosphere and living organisms.
Q: What are some examples of problems caused by human activity?
A: Examples of problems caused by human activity include acid rain, ozone depletion, photochemical smog, greenhouse gases and global warming.
Q: What do atmospheric chemists do to address these problems?
A: Atmospheric chemists offer theories about these problems then test them for possible solutions. They also note the effects of changes in government policy related to these issues.
Q: How does the composition of Earth's atmosphere change naturally?
A: The composition of Earth's atmosphere changes as result of natural processes such as volcano emissions, lightning and bombardment by solar particles from the Sun's corona.
