Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6
Geographical Information, Climate and
Atmospheric Pollution
6.1. Introduction
Climate and atmospheric pollution are two atmospheric hazards that are very
closely related. Pollution levels are not uniform throughout the world, and this is
particularly true for pollution that is created by human activity. However, it is the
concentration of pollution in the atmosphere which is dangerous to human health,
and which is also damaging the biosphere. This concentration of pollution in the
atmosphere varies, and depends on different meteorological conditions that
influence the way in which the pollutants are dispersed into the Earth's atmosphere.
Strong winds help the pollutants to disperse, whereas more stable conditions, such
as thermal inversions, act as a lid trapping the pollutants that build up on the ground.
However, the relationship between climate and pollution has experienced many
changes throughout the years: the days when acidic particle pollution only occurred
during winter anticyclones, associated with long periods of cold, dry weather, have
long gone. The time of year when the most pollution is present in the atmosphere is
during long, hot, sunny days in summer. These weather conditions are associated
with ozone levels that are harmful to our health. Whether it be summer or winter,
pollution levels in the atmosphere depend on changes in weather conditions.
The geographical information that is available on these issues provides much
more information than simple pollution measurements. This is true despite the
progress that has been made in metrology; progress that has influenced monitoring
strategies. The information is formatted and presented according to the expectations
of our society. In the age of industrial pollution there was a culture of secrecy that
prevailed over the obligation to publish information on pollution levels. This
obligation to provide information relating to pollution levels is now part of the
