This document outlines topics related to atmospheric systems and societies, including changes to atmospheric composition over time, the layers and composition of the atmosphere, greenhouse gases, the natural and enhanced greenhouse effect, how human activities alter the atmosphere, cloud formation, ozone formation and depletion, photochemical smog formation, acid deposition formation, and management of issues like ozone depletion, smog, and acid deposition. Diagrams and definitions are provided for many of the atmospheric concepts. International and national organization efforts to reduce ozone depleting substances are also discussed.

1. Topic 6 – Atmospheric Systems and Societies
Draw and annotate a brief timeline to show changes to atmosphere over time
Outline why carbon dioxide levels have
varied over time
Outline why temperatures have varied
over time
TOK Link – Why are there different views on the role of
humans in current changes to the atmosphere and the
resultant global warming
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2. Draw a diagram to show the composition of the atmosphere
Topic 6
Which gases play a vital role in the weather and climate of our planet? Why?
Which gases are vital for plant growth? Why? Outline how atmospheric composition varies with altitude
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3. Draw a labelled diagram to show the layers of the atmosphere
Topic 6
Define the following terms:
Greenhouse gases:
Insolation:
Draw a labelled diagram to demonstrate the natural and enhances greenhouse effect
Outline the concept of equilibrium in relation to the atmosphere:
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4. Draw a labelled diagram to demonstrate what human activities
are altering the atmospheric composition and how.
Topic 6
Use a diagram to outline how clouds are formed
Annotate the diagram to describe the key features of different cloud types and their
role in the albedo effect
Define albedo effect:
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5. Topic 6 - ozone
Use a diagram to outline how the ozone is formed
What are ozone-depleting substances? Outline why are they are problem?
Define ozone:
Why is the ozone so important?
Effects of ozone depletion Summarise ways of reducing ozone depleting substances
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6. Outline the role of international organisation in reducing ODSs
Topic 6 - ozone
Outline the role of national organisation in reducing ODSs List new ODSs
Case study: Reducing ODSs
How effective do you feel international and national
organisations have been in reducing ODSs? Why?
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7. Define and give examples of the following:
Primary Pollutants:
Photochemical Smog:
Volatile organic compounds (VOC):
Tropospheric ozone:
Topic 6 - Smog
List the main sources of VOCs and Nitrogen Oxide
List pollutants that make up tropospheric smog:
Outline the role of sunlight in the formation of tropospheric ozone/photochemical smog
Outline why tropospheric smog is a problem
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8. Outline the social effects of tropospheric ozone
Topic 6 - Smog
Outline the environmental effects of tropospheric ozone
Outline the factors that influence the frequency and severity of smog
Outline the econimic effects of tropospheric ozone Define thermal inversion
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9. Outline how photochemical smog/tropospheric ozone
can be managed
Topic 6 – Smog
Management
Using examples outline why it is better to reduce emissions in the first place rather than try to
clean up after emittance of pollutants
Case Study: A Pollution Management Strategy
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10. Using an annotated diagram outline the formation of acid deposition
Topic 6 – Acid
Deposition
Define the following:
Dry deposition:
Wet deposition:
Acid rain:
Acidification:
Outline the distribution of acid deposition
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11. Using an annotated diagram outline the formation of acid deposition
Topic 6 – Acid
Deposition
Define the following:
Dry deposition:
Wet deposition:
Acid rain:
Acidification:
Map the distribution of acid deposition Direct effects of acid rain Indirect effects of acid rain
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12. Outline how acid deposition can be managed
Topic 6 – Acid
Rain Management
Why is acid deposition a transboundary issue?
Case Study: A Pollution Management Strategy
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13. Topic 6 – Exam Style Question
From IBDP ESS SAMs
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