1. Describe the following and explain with examples, if needed: a. Coriolis Effect and its implications b. Ozone layer and its importance to life on earth c. Mercury deposition and its health and...

1. a. Coriolis Effect and its implications

The Coriolis Effect (the Coriolis force) is defined as the apparent deflection of objects (such
as airplanes, wind, missiles, and ocean currents) moving in a straight path relative to the
earth's surface. Its strength is proportional to the speed of the earth's rotation at
different latitude but it has an impact on moving objects across the globe.
Coriolis Effect is caused by the rotation of earth. As the earth spins in a counter-clockwise
direction on its axis anything flying or flowing over a long distance above its surface is
deflected. This occurs because as something moves freely above the earth's surface, the earth
is moving east under the object at a faster speed. Corolisis force changes according to the
latitude, when latitude increases rotation speed of earth decreases and coriolisis force
increases.
Implication
Coriolisis deflect wind and ocean currents. It also has effect on planes and missiles.
b. Ozone layer and its importance to life on earth
Ozone is continuously being synthesized from molecular oxygen in the stratosphere by the
absorption of short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV) radiation; simultaneously it is continuously
being removed by various chemical reactions that convert it back to molecular oxygen. the
concentration of ozone is determined by the rates of synthesis and destruction at any given
time. Increasing concentrations of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), nitrogen, and bromine, in
stratosphere increases the destruction process.
Implication
The ozone layer absorbs a great quantity of the harmful ultraviolet radiation present in the
sunlight. Increased ultraviolet radiation will affect the health of humans and the ecosystem.
Ultraviolet exposure can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and impaired immunity systems, as
well as a loss of balance in the vegetation and hydrosphere ecosystems. Thus ozone layer
saves earth from this adverse effect by decreasing the amount of ultraviolet radiation on
earth.
c. Mercury deposition and its health and environmental implications
Mercury is a chemical element which is present in air, water, and soil. There are several
sources of mercury like many rocks including coal. During coal burning mercury is released
in air. Coal burning power plants are major source of mercury. Air born mercury eventually
deposits in the soil by rain water and ultimately falls in the rivers, streams, estuaries. Once
deposited it converts to highly toxic methyl mercury by the action of certain microorganisms.
Fishes and other aquatic animals accumulate this toxic substance through their food, human
being and other animals eat these aquatic animals and they also accumulate this toxic
substance. As animals and human being can not degrade methyl mercury, it continues to
accumulate depending on food chain.
Implication
Health effects: Mercury exposure at high levels can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and
immune system of people of all ages. High levels of methyl mercury in the bloodstream of
unborn babies and young children may harm the developing nervous system, making the
child less able to think and learn.
Ecological effects of mercury: Birds and mammals that eat fish are more exposed to mercury
than other animals in water ecosystems. Similarly, predators that eat fish-eating animals may
be highly exposed. At high levels of exposure, methyl mercury’s harmful effects on these
animals include death, reduced reproduction, slower growth and development, and abnormal
behavior.
d. Photochemical processes with examples
Photochemical smog is an example of photochemical process. Smog is a term that was
derived from smoke and fog. But this type of smog requires neither smoke nor fog. This type
of smog results from the chemical reactions between NOx and hydrocarbons and ozone,
Highly toxic gas ozone arises from the reaction of nitrogen oxide with sunlight, and some
nitrogen dioxide is produced from the reaction of nitrogen oxide with sunlight.
Formaldehyde, acrolein, and peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) and peroxybenzol nitrate are other
major components of photochemical smog.
Chemistry of smog formation:
The requirements
 Sunlight.
 The production of oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
 The production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
 Temperatures greater than 18 degrees Celsius.
During photochemical smog formation...