Atmospheric Structure, Pollution, and Environmental Impacts

Atmospheric Layers and Structure

The Troposphere

The troposphere concentrates the bulk of the atmosphere's mass and all moisture and dust particles. It extends up to 16 km in Ecuador and a minimum of 8 km at the poles. It is where all weather phenomena, such as wind and rain, develop.

The Ionosphere

Situated between 90 and 400 km, the ionosphere is ionized and reflects radio waves.

Environmental Impact Assessment

Declaration of Environmental Impact (EID)

Communication is required by law regarding predicted environmental consequences, and should include the following:

• Project description.
• Consideration of alternatives to actions that are performed.
• Environmental inventory prior to completion of the activity.
• Identification of anticipated impacts.
• Protective measures and control of activities.

Air Pollution and Pollutants

Secondary Pollutants Defined

These are pollutants arising when solar energy favors reactions between primary pollutants, or between these and other atmospheric constituents. Examples include:

• Ozone (O3)
• Derivatives of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Pollutants Affecting Human Health

Key pollutants impacting human health include:

• Carbon monoxide (CO).
• Unburned gasoline emissions containing benzene.
• Sulphur dioxide (SO2).
• CO2, NO2, and O3.
• CO and NO2.

Photochemical Smog

This is a mixture of nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and a compound known as PAN (Peroxyacetyl nitrate). The combination of these gases causes eye irritation, coughing, and fatigue.

Acid Rain Phenomena

What is Acid Rain?

Acid rain is a type of precipitation in which water has an abnormally high acidity, containing dissolved acids from contaminated air. Oxides that produce acid rain are:

• Sulphur dioxide (SO2).
• Oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

Consequences of Acid Rain

Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems

Some organisms disappear with increasing acidity of lake water, leading to losses of species and disrupting food chains of ecosystems.

Impact on Terrestrial Ecosystems

Declining plant health also affects the food chains of ecosystems.

Impact on Buildings and Monuments

Acid rain reacts with minerals in the rocks that form the surface of facades, causing corrosion and deterioration.

Global Climate Change Implications

Consequences of Climate Change

Current Implications:

• Altered rainfall patterns.
• Melting of glaciers and ice caps.

Foreseeable Consequences:

• Alterations in agriculture.
• Disappearance of coastal populations.
• Loss of life during natural disasters.
• Alteration of ecosystems.
• Modification of the economy.