Better education now
Better protection for our future
Better education now
Better protection for our future
acetaldehyde—(1a) a colorless volatile water-soluble liquid aldehyde c2h4o2 used chiefly in organic synthesis. (1b) Acetaldehyde is mainly used as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals. It is ubiquitous in the environment and may be formed in the body from the breakdown of ethanol. Acute (short-term) exposure to acetaldehyde results in effects including irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Symptoms of chronic (long-term) intoxication of acetaldehyde resemble those of alcoholism. Acetaldehyde is considered a probable human carcinogen (group b2) based on inadequate human cancer studies and animal studies that have shown nasal tumors in rats and laryngeal tumors in hamsters.
acetic acid—a colorless, pungent, liquid acid with a chemical formula of c2h4o2 that is the chief acid of vinegar and that is used especially in synthesis (as of plastics)
acid—any of various typically water-soluble and sour compounds that in solution are capable of reacting with a base to form a salt, redden litmus, and have a ph less than 7, that are hydrogen-containing molecules or ions able to give up a proton to a base, or are substances able to accept an unshared pair of electrons from a base
acid rain—acid precipitation in the form of rain
aerodynamics—a branch of dynamics that deals with the motion of air and other gaseous fluids and with the forces acting on bodies in motion relative to such fluids
aerosol—a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in gas; e.g. smoke, fog, and mist
air—the mixture of invisible odorless tasteless gases (as nitrogen and oxygen) that surrounds the Earth
airfoil—a body (as an airplane wing or propeller blade) designed to provide a desired reaction force when in motion relative to the surrounding air
air pollution—the soiling of the atmosphere by contaminants to the point that may injure health, property, plant or animal life, or prevent the use and enjoyment of the outdoors.
air quality health alert days—ozone pollution occurs mostly during hot summer days with little or no wind. Forecasters can predict when the ozone level is expected to exceed standards for healthy air. If unhealthy ozone levels are predicted, an "air quality health alert" is announced to the media and public for the following day so that people can take steps to protect their health and help to reduce the pollution emissions that eventually become ozone.
air quality index—an index for forecasting and reporting daily air quality. EPA gathers the forecasts for every city in the nation. The AQI tells you how clean or polluted your air will be, and warns of any associated health concerns you should be aware of.
air resistance—resistance to movement of an object provided by the fluid properties of air
airshed—a geographic area that, because of topography, meteorology, and/or climate, is frequently affected by the same air mass
alternative—different from the usual or conventional
alternative fuel—any fuel for a vehicle other than a petroleum based fuel
altocumulus—a fleecy cloud formation consisting of large whitish globular cloudlets with shaded portions; they are lower than cirrus clouds, but still quite high. They are made of liquid water, but seldom make rain.
altostratus—a cloud formation similar to cirrostratus but darker and at a lower level
ambient air—outdoor air, the air we breathe
ammeters—an instrument for measuring electric current in amperes
ammonia—a pungent, colorless, gaseous, alkaline compound of nitrogen and hydrogen (NH3 ) that is very soluble in water and is easily condensed to a liquid by cold and pressure.
aneroid barometer—an instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure. It is constructed on the following principles: an aneroid capsule (vidie capsule, which is a thin, disk-shaped box or capsule, usually metallic) is partially evacuated of gas, and is restrained from collapsing by an external or internal spring. The deflection of the spring will be nearly proportional to the difference between the internal and external pressures. Magnification of the spring deflection is obtained both by connecting capsules in series and by mechanical linkages.
anthropogenic—human-made; of, relating to, or resulting from the influence of human beings on nature
anvil cloud—also referred to as cumulonimbus, a large storm cloud with explosive vertical development that creates an anvil shape
appliance—an instrument or device designed for a particular use; specifically a household or office device (as a stove, fan, or refrigerator) operated by gas or electric current
atoms—(1) one of the minute indivisible particles of which according to ancient materialism the universe is composed; (2) a tiny particle; (3) the smallest particle of an element that can exist either alone or in combination
atmosphere—the whole mass of air surrounding the Earth
auto emissions—the gases and particles emitted from an automobile, which can include but are not limited to nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and sulfur dioxide, and which vary with the type of fuel being burned and the efficiency of the combustion process
avoided costs—costs which are avoided by an action
baghouses—a device or facility in which particulates are removed from a stream of exhaust gases (as from a blast furnace) as the stream passes through a large cloth bag; also, the bag used to filter the gas stream
base—any of various typically water-soluble and bitter tasting compounds that in solution have a ph greater than 7, are capable of reacting with an acid to form a salt, and are molecules or ions able to take up a proton from an acid or able to give up an unshared pair of electrons to an acid
benefit—something that promotes well-being
benzene—a colorless, hazardous hydrocarbon emitted during gasoline storage and transfer and from refining processes
bicycling—moving from one place to another by pedaling a two-wheeled vehicle, or “bicycle”
Bike Buddies—a program in which two or more individuals bicycle together to or from school or work for increased safety and camaraderie
Biogenic—describing changes in the environment resulting from the activities of living organisms
biomass—(1) the amount of living matter (as in a unit area or volume of habitat); (2) plant materials and animal waste used especially as a source of fuel
boiler—the part of a steam generator in which water is converted into steam and which consists usually of metal shells and tubes, or a tank in which water is heated or hot water is stored
bones—the hard, largely calcareous connective tissue of which the adult skeleton of most vertebrates is chiefly composed
brain—the portion of the vertebrate central nervous system that constitutes the organ of thought and neural coordination, includes all the higher nervous centers receiving stimuli from the sense organs and interpreting and correlating them to formulate the motor impulses, is made up of neurons and supporting and nutritive structures, is enclosed within the skull, and is continuous with the spinal cord
buffer—a substance capable in solution of neutralizing both acids and bases and thereby maintaining the original acidity or basicity of the solution; also: a solution containing such a substance
bus—a large vehicle that can carry many passengers, usually along a regular route
CAMS—(Continuous Air Monitoring Stations) an air quality monitor which monitors ozone levels to help determine if a region is in attainment of ozone standards
car—a four-wheeled vehicle for passenger transportation, propelled by an engine
carbon cycle—a complex series of processes through which all of the carbon atoms in existence rotate.
carbon dioxide—a colorless, odorless gas formed during breathing, combustion, and decaying that adds to the greenhouse effect
carbon monoxide—a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas produced when carbon-containing substances such as coal, oil, gasoline, wood, or natural gas do not burn completely
carcinogens—a substance or agent producing or inciting cancer
carpool(ing)—an arrangement by which two or more people to travel to and from work, school or other activities together in one automobile
catalyst—(1) a substance (as an enzyme) that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions (as at a lower temperature) than otherwise possible (2) an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action
catalytic converter—an air pollution control device that uses a chemical reaction to reduce emissions from motor vehicles
chemical energy—the energy released when substances combine or break down and form new substances.
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)—chemicals used as coolants in refrigerators and air conditioners that can harm the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere
coal—black or brownish black solid combustible substance formed by the partial decomposition of vegetable matter without free access of air and under the influence of moisture and often increased pressure and temperature that is widely used as a natural fuel; having four main types: lignite, sub-bituminous, bituminous, and anthracite
cilia—a minute short hairlike process often forming part of a fringe; especially, one on a cell that is capable of lashing movement and serves especially in free unicellular organisms to produce locomotion or in higher forms a current of fluid
cirrocumulus—these high altitude clouds take the form of individual puffs. They often form in patchy groups with spaces between the individual members. Composed almost entirely of ice crystals, their base altitudes typically range from about 16,500 to 45,000 feet.
cirrostratus—these high clouds have a more continuous appearance that the other high altitude clouds. They are composed almost entirely of ice crystals, and often blanket large areas of the sky. They are typically so thin that you can easily see the sun or even the moon through them. Their base altitudes typically range from 16,500 to 45,000 feet.
cirrus—these high clouds are composed almost entirely of ice crystals. They display a wispy, feathery appearance. Their base altitudes typically range from 16,500 to 45,000 feet.
Clean Air Act—congress created the Clean Air Act (CAA, Amended in 1990) to protect our health and air from further damage, and to begin to reverse some of the damage caused by decades of air pollution. the simple fact is that air pollution can make you sick, damage the environment, damage property, and cause haze that reduces visibility in national parks and interferes with aviation. The Clean Air Act aims to improve air quality in the United States.
clean fuel—a fuel which produces less, little, or no pollution when compared with conventional fuels
clouds—a visible mass of particles of condensed vapor (as water or ice) suspended in the atmosphere of a planet (as the Earth) or moon
coal combustion—coal burning or the production of heat and light energy through a chemical process involving coal
Coefficient of drag (Cd)—the ratio of the drag on a body moving through air to the product of the velocity and the surface area of the body
combustion—(1) an act or instance of burning; (2) a usually rapid chemical process (as oxidation) that produces heat and usually light; also: a slower oxidation (as in the body) (3) the process of burning a fuel to release heat energy
compact fluorescent (light bulb)—a bulb that produces visible light by electromagnetic radiation; a glass tube whose inner wall is coated with a material that lights when an electrical current causes a vapor within the tube to discharge electrons
compliance—conformity in fulfilling official requirements
compliance monitoring—the monitoring of emissions from pollution sources to track and ensure compliance with environmental regulations
compress—to press or squeeze together
cone—solid bounded by a circular or other closed plane base and the surface formed by line segments joining every point of the boundary of the base to a common vertex
congestion—the condition resulting from filling a street or freeway to excess with traffic; the condition of being overcrowded or clogged
conservation—a careful preservation and protection of something; planned management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect
consume—to eat or use up
contaminant—an element or pollutant that soils the air
convection—(transport of heat by the movement of parts of a fluid (air or water); cool air is denser than warm air and as it settles the cool air pushes the warm air upward
conversion—the changing of a substance or the energy in it from one form to another
conversion efficiency—the percentage of usable energy that is left after an energy conversion.
Efficiency = (energy output / energy input) x 100
conversion loss—the amount of energy lost in the changing of one form of energy to another form. much of this energy loss is in the form of waste heat.
convert—to change something into another form
cost—the amount of money needed for payment
criteria pollutants—the EPA uses six "criteria pollutants", ozone, lead, respirable particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide as indicators of air quality and has established for each of them a maximum concentration above which adverse effects on human health may occur. These threshold concentrations are called National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
cube—the regular solid of six equal, square sides
cumulonimbus—these clouds are also known as thunderstorm clouds. Especially strong upward convection associated with extreme instability in the atmosphere can lead to the nearly explosive vertical development of these clouds. While their bases range from near the ground to about 6,500 feet, their tops can extend well into the region of the high clouds.
cumulus—these low clouds have a puffy appearance that resembles cotton balls or popcorn. They frequently have flat bases with lumpy tops. With bases usually ranging from near the surface to 6,500 feet, these clouds form in air from heated areas on the ground.
current—a flow of electric charge; also, the rate of such flow
cyclones—(1a) a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric pressure, advances at a speed of 20 to 30 miles (about 30 to 50 kilometers) an hour, and often brings heavy rain
demolish—tear down, raze, do away with, destroy
deterrence—the inhibition of criminal behavior by fear especially of punishment
diesel—a type of fuel commonly used to power large vehicles, such as long-haul trucks, garbage trucks, buses, and off-road construction equipment, or vehicle driven by an engine fueled with diesel fuel
Direct Current (DC)—an electric current flowing in one direction only and substantially constant in value—abbreviation DC
dispersion—the process of breaking up or diluting high concentrations of something, particularly air pollutants
drag—the retarding force acting on a body (as an airplane) moving through a fluid (as air) parallel and opposite to the direction of motion or friction between engine parts; also, retardation due to friction
ecology—(1) a branch of science concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and their environments (2) the totality or pattern of relations among organisms and their environment
efficiency—being effective with minimum waste, expense, or unnecessary effort
electrical energy—energy in the form of a flow of electrons that can be produced by chemical activity in a battery, by friction, or by generators. Electrical energy can be transformed to other forms of energy such as light, heat, mechanical, or sound.
electrical power—the product of voltage and current
electric generating plant—a facility composed of one or more pieces of equipment connected to or part of a structure and designed to provide a service such as heat or electricity or water or sewage disposal; "the price of the house included all utilities"
electricity—created when a metal wire is moved through a magnetic field; a flow of energy involving electrons and other subatomic particles
electrostatic precipitators—he type of air cleaners which gives particles of dust a charge by passing the dust-laden air through a strong (50-100 kv) electrostatic field. This causes particles to be attracted oppositely charged plates so they can be removed from an airstream. These devices are primarily used for stack gas cleaning.
elemental oxygen—the element symbolized by the letter O, an atom having an atomic number of eight and an atomic weight of 15.9994
eliminate—to remove or do away with
emission—a discharge or release of pollutants into the air, such as from a smokestack or automobile engine
energy—the ability to do work or make things move. Energy exists in a variety of forms (electrical, mechanical, gravitational, light, nuclear, chemical, heat or thermal) and can be converted from one to another. Common units for measuring energy are calories, joules, Btu, and kilowatt-hours.
energy conversion device—an entity that changes energy from one form to another.
energy-efficient incandescent—reduced-wattage incandescent bulbs are slightly more energy-efficient than standard incandescent light bulbs. They save energy by producing slightly less light at a lower wattage. Tungsten-halogen incandescent lamps have a similar light output as standard incandescent bulbs but use 40 percent less energy and last four times longer.
environment—the combination of all external conditions and influences relating to the life, development, and survival of all living things
environmental justice—the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and educational levels with respect to the development and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Fair treatment implies that no population should be forced to shoulder a disproportionate share of exposure to the negative effects of pollution due to lack of political or economic strength.
equivalent—equal in value, force or meaning
ethanol—a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid with a chemical formula of C2H5OH that is the intoxicating agent in liquors and is also used as a solvent
feel—to handle or touch in order to examine, test, or explore some quality
fission—the splitting of atomic nuclei resulting in the release of large amounts of energy
fluid—(1a) having particles that easily move and change their relative position without a separation of the mass and that easily yield to pressure, capable of flowing
fluorescent—(1) able to emit light of a certain wavelength when activated by light of a shorter wavelength; (2) a discharge lamp in which a phosphor coating transforms ultraviolet energy into visible light; (3) a bright vivid color that glows under a black light
fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas; this term applies to any fuels formed from the fossil remains of plants and animals that have been buried for millions of years.
formaldehyde—a colorless, pungent, irritating gas having a chemical formula of CH2O used chiefly in aqueous solution as a disinfectant and preservative and in chemical synthesis
form drag—drag force created by the wind hitting the aircraft
free good—not scarce; available in as great a quantity as desired with zero opportunity cost to society, but not necessarily zero price
friction drag—friction drag occurs at the boundary layer. This is the area close to the airfoil of the plane where the average speed of the airflow is slower than the surrounding air. This "skin" of air is what slides against the surrounding airflow and causes friction. In the boundary layer, the flow can be laminar or turbulent. A uniform flow of air, parallel to the airfoil, is the laminar portion of the boundary layer, found closer to the leading edge. A turbulent portion of the boundary layer, near the trailing edge, is irregular and disoriented. A boundary layer that is turbulent increases the friction drag. Somewhere between the leading edge and the trailing edge, the boundary layer changes from laminar to turbulent. In order to bring down the friction drag, engineers try to delay this change as much as possible. One way of achieving this is to keep the airfoil as smooth as possible. The smallest of irregularities, even tiny bugs that hit the airfoil, can have the overall effect of changing the boundary layer to turbulent sooner.
fuel—any substance that can be burned to produce heat. (With nuclear energy, a substance that undergoes fission in a chain reaction to produce heat.)
fuel cell—a device that changes the energy in fossil fuels to electricity.
fuel efficiency—the amount of work obtained for the amount of fuel consumed. In cars, fuel efficiency is commonly referred to as “miles per gallon”.
fumes—smoke, vapor or gas, especially when irritating or offensive
gas—the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity; relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature; the ability to diffuse readily; and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container
gaseous—having the properties of a gas
gasoline—a volatile, flammable liquid made from a refined form of crude oil; currently the most commonly used fuel in vehicles
gearbox—a set of cog wheels which enable a car to travel easily at different speeds
global climate change—a change in the world's climate
generator—a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
geothermal—pertaining to heat energy extracted from reservoirs in the Earth's interior, as in the use of geysers, molten rock and steam spouts.
granite—plutonic igneous rock having visibly crystalline texture; generally composed of feldspar, mica and quartz
gravity—the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the Earth's mass for bodies near its surface
green electricity—electric power produced from energy resources that emit little pollution
greenhouse effect—warming of the surface and lower atmosphere of a planet (as the Earth or Venus) that is caused by conversion of solar radiation into heat in a process involving selective transmission of short wave solar radiation by the atmosphere, its absorption by the planet's surface, and reradiation as infrared which is absorbed and partly reradiated back to the surface by atmospheric gases
green pricing—a program offered by some utilities to charge money above the standard fee, to customers who agree, in order to promote using renewable energies
ground-level ozone—ground level ozone can inflame breathing passages, decreasing the lung's working capacity. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, pain when inhaling deeply, wheezing and coughing. Ground-level ozone can cause eye and nose irritation and aggravates respiratory symptoms and further impairs the ability to perform normal activities. it can dry out the protective membranes of the nose and throat and interfere with the body's ability to fight infection thereby increasing susceptibility to illness.
growth—an increase in size, weight, power, population, etc.
Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP)—a contaminant that may cause an increase in rates of death or serious illness
hazardous waste—a subset of solid wastes that pose potential threats to public health or the environment and meet any of the following criteria:—is specifically listed as a hazardous waste by EPA; exhibits one or more of the characteristics of hazardous wastes (ignitability, corrosiveness, reactivity, and/or toxicity); is generated by the treatment of hazardous waste; or is contained in a hazardous waste.
haze—fine dust, smoke, or light vapor causing lack of transparency of the air
hear—to perceive or apprehend by the ear
heart—a hollow muscular organ of vertebrate animals that by its rhythmic contraction acts as a force pump maintaining the circulation of the blood
helium—a light colorless nonflammable gaseous element found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, for filling incandescent lamps, and for cryogenic research
hornos—outdoor wood-fired ovens made of clay or brick for cooking
hurricane—a tropical cyclone with winds of 74 miles (118 kilometers) per hour or greater that occurs especially in the western Atlantic, that is usually accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning, and that sometimes moves into temperate latitudes
hydrocarbons – also called volatile organic compounds, these are compounds found in fossil fuels, glues, paints, and solvents that can react with other pollutants to form ground-level ozone
hydrogen—a nonmetallic element that is the simplest and lightest of the elements, is normally a colorless odorless highly flammable diatomic gas, and is used especially in synthesis
hydropower—energy or power produced by moving water
illumination—the act of lighting up
incandescent light bulb—a bulb that emits visible light as a result of a filament being heated due to its resistance to electric current
insulation—a substance that resists the transfer of heat, generally by incorporating small pockets of air. Insulation is rated in terms of thermal resistance, called r-value, which indicates the resistance to heat flow. The higher the r-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness.the r-value of thermal insulation depends on the type of material, its thickness and density.
inventory—an itemized list of current assets or a survey of natural resources
jet stream—a long narrow meandering current of high-speed winds near the tropopause blowing from a generally westerly direction and often exceeding a speed of 250 miles (402 kilometers) per hour
kidneys—one of a pair of vertebrate organs situated in the body cavity near the spinal column that excrete waste products of metabolism, in humans are bean-shaped organs about 4 1/2 inches (11 1/2 centimeters) long lying behind the peritoneum in a mass of fatty tissue, and consist chiefly of nephrons by which urine is secreted, collected, and discharged into a main cavity whence it is conveyed by the ureter to the bladder
kilocalorie—unit of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1oC
kilowatt—1,000 watts
kilowatt-hour—a unit of work or energy equal to that expended by one kilowatt in one hour or to 3.6 million joules
kinetic energy—energy that is produced by motion
landfill—a system of trash and garbage disposal in which the waste is buried between layers of earth to build up low-lying land—also called a sanitary landfill
lanes—divided sections of a roadway wide enough for a single line of cars
large intestine—the more terminal division of the vertebrate intestine that is wider and shorter than the small intestine, typically divided into cecum, colon, and rectum, and concerned especially with the resorption of water and the formation of feces
laws—a rule of conduct or action prescribed or formally recognized as binding or enforced by a controlling authority
lead—a heavy, soft, malleable, ductile, plastic but inelastic, bluish-white metallic element found mostly in combination and used in pipes, cable sheaths, batteries, and solder, known to shield against radioactivity but causes negative health effects if ingested
limestone—a rock that is formed chiefly by accumulation of organic remains (as shells or coral), consists mainly of calcium carbonate, is extensively used in building, and yields lime when burned
liquid—flowing freely like water
litigation—to contest in law
liver—large very vascular glandular organ of vertebrates that secretes bile and causes important changes in many of the substances contained in the blood (as by converting sugars into glycogen which it stores up until required and by forming urea)
lungs—one of the usually paired compound saccular thoracic organs that constitute the basic respiratory organ of air-breathing vertebrates
mass transit—travel by public transportation system such as bus or subway
mechanical energy (power)—energy due to the motion of an object. Example: the energy of the moving parts of an automobile engine.
meteorologist—a scientist that deals with the atmosphere and its phenomena and especially with weather and weather forecasting
meteorology—a science that deals with the atmosphere, weather, and weather forecasting
methane—colorless odorless flammable gaseous hydrocarbon ch4 that is a product of decomposition of organic matter and of the carbonization of coal, is used as a fuel and as a starting material in chemical synthesis, and is the simplest of the alkanes
micrometer (micron) —an instrument used with a telescope or microscope for measuring minute distances
minimize—to reduce or make smaller
molecules—the smallest particle into which an element or a compound can be divided without changing its chemical and physical properties
molecular oxygen—a molecule that is composed of two oxygen atoms, O2, that has no color, odor, or taste. It is present in both the atmosphere and the oceans, and solar radiation with wavelengths less then 242 nm can break it back into oxygen atoms, O2 → O + O. one of these oxygen radicals in turn can combine with O2 to form ozone, O2 + O → O3
monitoring—to watch, keep track of, or check usually for a special purpose
mouth—(1a) the natural opening through which food passes into the body of an animal and which in vertebrates is typically bounded externally by the lips and internally by the pharynx and encloses the tongue, gums, and teeth
muscles—a body tissue consisting of long cells that contract when stimulated and produce motion
mucus—a viscid slippery secretion that is usually rich in mucins and is produced by mucous membranes which it moistens and protects
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)—required
by the clean air act for pollutants considered harmful to public health and the
environment, the national ambient air quality standards is made up of two sets
of standards. first, primary standards set limits to protect public health,
including the health of "sensitive" populations such as asthmatics, children,
and the elderly. Second, the secondary standards set limits to protect public
welfare, including protection against decreased visibility, damage to animals,
crops, vegetation, and buildings.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established NAAQS for six air
pollutants: ozone, lead, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and
respirable particulate matter. The standards were established to protect the
public from exposure to harmful amounts of pollutants. When the pollutant levels
in an area have caused a violation of a particular standard, the area is
classified as "non-attainment" for that pollutant. The EPA then imposes federal
regulations on pollutant emissions and designates a time period in which the
area must again attain the standard.
natural gas—gas issuing from the earth's crust through natural openings or bored wells; especially: a combustible mixture of methane and higher hydrocarbons used chiefly as a fuel and raw material
nimbostratus—often called rain clouds, nimbostratus exhibit a uniform dark gray appearance. Their bottoms are typically blurred and indistinct due to falling rain or snow. These clouds have low bases, but may have considerable vertical development bringing the tops into the middle level range.
nitrogen dioxide—a poisonous, brown gas often found in smog and automobile exhaust
nitrogen oxides—gases that form when nitrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere are burned with fossil fuels at high temperatures
nitric—of or containing nitrogen
nitric acid—A colorless or yellowish fuming liquid, formula HNO3. It is highly corrosive and the vapor is very hazardous. Nitric acid and nitrates (mainly ammonium nitrate) occur in the atmosphere in the form of aerosols: the acid is formed from oxides of nitrogen and then reacts with ammonia to form ammonium nitrate (WHO 1997c).
nonattainment—a non-attainment area is one that does not meet the environmental protection agency's standards for air pollution and can be classified as "non-attainment" of those standards. For example, the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards do not allow areas to exceed .08 parts per million of ozone over an eight-hour period. Compliance is based on the fourth highest reading per year averaged over three years.
non-compliance—failure to obey; failure to act as prescribed by a law or regulation
non-renewable resource—something that has a limited supply that cannot be replaced
non-synthetic oil—also known as “dino oil”, natural, mineral-based oil; It is presumed that the remains of dinosaurs contributed to the formation of petroleum millions of years ago
nuclear energy—energy from radioactive decay or from fission or fusion reactions. In a controlled situation it can be used to produce electricity.
nuclear fuel—material containing atoms whose nuclei undergo fission, producing heat.
nuclear powered electric generating plant—a building in which electricity is produced by using the heat given off by nuclear fuel in a controlled chain reaction to make steam which powers the generator.
nuclear reactor—a device in which a fission chain reaction can be initiated, maintained, and controlled. Its essential components are fissionable fuel, moderator, shielding, control rods, and coolant
odor—the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form
oil—a slippery or viscous liquid or liquefiable substance not miscible with water
outdoor air—air taken from the outdoors, ambient
overhangs—an extension of the roof to provide shade
oxygen – the part of air that we breathe in to fuel our bodies and make them go.
ozone—a colorless gas that is formed when pollutants react with sunlight and that is a major part of smog
ozone layer—an atmospheric layer that contains a high proportion of oxygen that exists as ozone. It acts as a filtering mechanism against incoming ultraviolet radiation. It is located between the troposphere and the stratosphere, around 9.5 to 12.5 miles (15 to 20 kilometers) above the Earth's surface.
parachute—a drag producing device, generally hemispherical (half-sphere) in shape; generally made of light plastic.
particle—a minute quantity or fragment; a relatively small or the smallest discrete portion or amount of something
particle pollution—specks of solid matter, including dust, smoke, fumes, spray, mist, aerosols and fog
particulate—a very small solid suspended in air or water which can vary widely in size, shape, density, and electrical charge
particulate matter—specks of solid or liquid matter, e.g.: dust, smoke, fumes, spray and mist
permit—a legal document giving official permission to do something
ph—p(otential of) H(ydrogen); the logarithm of the reciprocal of hydrogen-ion concentration in gram atoms per liter; provides a measure on a scale from 0 to 14 of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution (7 is neutral, greater than 7 is acidic, and less than 7 is basic)
photochemical—any chemical reaction which is initiated by light; such processes are process important in the production of ozone and sulfates in smog
photochemical oxidant—products of the degradation of atmospheric emissions resulting from photo oxidation processes. Products include ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and peroxyacetyl nitrate, all of which contribute to the total oxidant concentration.
photochemical process—any chemical reaction which is initiated by light. Such processes are process important in the production of ozone and sulfates in smog
photon—smallest piece of light that exists
photosynthesis—(1) the process of using sunlight as an energy source to produce food in plants (2) the process by which green plants use solar energy to convert simple substances into complex ones which contain chemical energy. carbon dioxide and water are combined, in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll, into carbohydrates such as sugars, starches, and cellulose.
photovoltaic system—an energy generating system that converts sunlight into electricity
physical energy—also called kinetic energy, the form of energy that an object has by reason of its motion
planning—an act of formulating a program for a definite course of action
plume—the visible emission from a smokestack or chimney
point source—a stationary location or fixed facility from which pollutants are discharged or emitted. Any single identifiable source of pollution, such as a pipe or factory smokestack
pollutant—any substance introduced into the environment that adversely affects the usefulness of a resource.
pollution—material that is harmful to living things; impurities in air, water and land that create an unclean environment
postponed costs—costs that are postponed
potential energy—energy possessed by virtue of its state (not its motion); unlit fuel has potential energy
pounds per square inch (psi) —a unit for measuring pressure. One psi equals the pressure resulting from a force of one pound acting over an area of one square inch.
precipitation—liquid or frozen water falling to Earth, rain or snow
precursor—a substance from which another substance is formed
public utility—a service, as electricity or water, essential to the community; a company providing such a service, controlled by a nationalized or private monopoly and subject to public regulation
rainforest—a large, dense forest in a hot, humid region (tropical or subtropical). Rainforests have an abundance of diverse plant and animal life, much of which is still un-cataloged by the scientific community.
raw material—materials a manufacturer converts into a finished product.
recyclable resource—a resource which can be recycled and used again in another form
regulations—rules specifying the appropriate behavior of agencies, organizations or individuals in the securities industry.
relative humidity—the amount of water vapor (vapor pressure) in a given parcel of air divided by the maximum amount of water vapor the parcel of air could contain at a given temperature (saturation vapor pressure) before it would begin to condense into water droplets.
renewable energy—forms of energy that derive and quickly replenish from the natural movements and mechanisms of the environment, such as sunshine, wind, movement of the seas and the heat of the Earth
renewable resource—natural resource that can be replaced
respirable particle pollution—small respirable particles can penetrate deep into the lungs where they may stay a long time and cause acute or chronic illness. Larger particles may not penetrate as deep as small particles but can cause allergic reactions and other health problems.
respiratory—anything dealing with breathing, or the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
respiratory tract—all of the body parts that help you breathe, including your mouth, nose, throat and lungs.
restitution—a sum of money paid in compensation for loss or injury
retribution—the act of correcting for wrongdoing
RideSharing—an alternative to traveling alone; carpooling, vanpooling, or using transit
risk—source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
sanitize—to make clean by disinfecting
savings—an amount of money not used or put aside for a specific purpose; discounts
scarce good—amount available less than amount people would want if it were free
SchoolPool—the act of a number of students regularly sharing a ride to and/or from school in which driving students or parents divide driving duties
sight—an instance of visual perception
small intestine—the section of the digestive tract between the stomach and the large intestine. Most of digestion occurs here as nutrients are absorbed from food.
smog—the ground-level haze resulting from the sun's effect on air pollutants, consisting primarily of ozone
smoke—gaseous products and small carbon particles resulting from incomplete combustion
smokestacks—pipe or funnel through which smoke and gases are discharged
smell—the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form
solar—relating to the sun
solar cell—a device that changes sunlight to electricity
solar energy—the radiation emitted by the sun. the Earth receives this energy mostly in the forms of heat and light.
solid—a substance that is solid at room temperature and pressure
solid waste—any garbage, refuse, sludge from a waste treatment plant, water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility and other discarded material, including solid, liquid, semisolid, or contained gaseous materials resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, and agricultural activities and from community activities
solution—(1) a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution
soot—a black colloidal substance consisting wholly or principally of amorphous carbon and used to make pigments and ink
sphere—a three-dimensional closed surface such that every point on the surface is equidistant from the center
steam turbine—turbine in which steam strikes blades and makes them turn
stomach—an enlarged and muscular saclike organ of the alimentary canal; the principal organ of digestion
stomata—tiny openings on the underside of leaves through which a plant exchanges gases (such as carbon dioxide and oxygen) with the surrounding air
stratocumulus—these low clouds take the form of irregular masses of cumulus clouds merged together with little or no spacing between the clouds. The bases of these clouds are usually found near the ground to around 6,500 feet.
stratosphere—the layer of air that extends from about 10 to 30 miles above the Earth's surface
stratospheric ozone—(1a) ozone found in the stratosphere. (1b) Stratospheric ozone is the same chemical as ground-level ozone, but because it is high above the Earth (instead of close down, where we could breathe it), stratospheric ozone is helpful, not harmful. it protects us by blocking the most harmful rays of the sun—ultraviolet rays—which can cause skin cancer.
stratus—these low clouds exhibit a fairly uniform light to dark gray appearance and typically blanket large areas of the sky. The bases of these clouds are usually found near the ground to around 6,500 feet. A stratus cloud with its base extending down to the ground is known as fog.
sulfur dioxide—a colorless, irritating gas generated in many industrial processes and in the production of electricity from coal; a criteria pollutant
sulfuric acid—a heavy, corrosive, oily, dibasic, strong acid with a chemical formula of H2SO4 that is colorless when pure; it is a vigorous oxidizing and dehydrating agent.
supply and demand—Supply is the amount of goods available at a given price at any time. Demand is how many consumers desire the goods that are in supply.
sustainable—able to supply necessities today without sacrificing future generation’s needs
sustainability—meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, or the health of the planet.
SUV—sport utility vehicle, a large passenger car that holds many passengers and gear
synthetic oil—a non-mineral-based oil with a much higher resistance to heat; composed of molecules that are uniform in weight and shape, which makes its heat of vaporization is much higher
taste—the sensation that results when taste buds in the tongue and throat convey information about the chemical composition of a soluble stimulus
temperature—the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment (corresponding to its molecular activity)
temperature inversion—an increase in temperature with height above the Earth's surface, a reversal of the normal pattern.
thermal (energy)—heat energy; the energy of moving particles in a solid, liquid, or gas.
thermal inversion—a meteorological phenomenon in which air temperature increases with height and which can trap pollutants near ground-level.
tire pressure—the air pressure within a tire, customarily expressed in pounds per square inch (psi), which a significant effect on vehicle performance and fuel efficiency
tires—the rubber tube filled with air, fixed around the wheel of a vehicle to facilitate rotation
tornado—a violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that progresses in a narrow path over the land
touch—the event of something coming in contact with the body
toxic—something that can be poisonous or deadly if it is eaten, touched, or inhaled in large enough amounts
Toxic Release Inventory—a program created by the superfund amendments and reauthorization act of 1984 that requires manufacturing facilities and waste handling and disposal sites to report annually on releases of more than 300 toxic materials.
transit—buses, trains and subways used by the public
transport—to move from one place to another
transportation—a facility consisting of the means and equipment necessary for the movement of passengers or goods
troposphere—the innermost part of the 12-mile layer of air encircling the Earth
turbine—any machine that turns kinetic energy into mechanical power
ultraviolet light—short wavelength light that is beyond the visible spectrum at