The final exam is COMPREHENSIVE: you will be tested on material covered throughout the quarter. Half of the exam will cover the material we've discussed in class since the last midterm: stratospheric ozone loss, global warming, future projections.  This study guide covers only these topics. The other half of the exam will cover the rest of the class.  To study for that, see the previous study guides for midterm #1 and midterm #2.

Describe the chemical reactions that give rise to the ozone layer and make it highly effective in protecting life on Earth from the harmful effects of solar ultraviolet radiation. 

What are the sources of chlorofluorocabons (CFCs)?

Explain why and how CFC's threaten the ozone layer, including the role of polar stratospheric clouds.

Where and when do polar stratospheric clouds form?

Explain why the ozone hole occurs primarily in the Antarctic, rather than symmetrically in both the Arctic and Antarctic.

What are the effects on human life and ecosystems of stratospheric ozone loss?

What did the Montreal Protocol accomplish?

Speculate on the future of the ozone hole.

2) Global warming

Why is studying past climate useful for understanding future climate change?

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Know the difference between a positive and negative climate feedback and be able to give examples of each.

Be able to describe several possible consequences of global warming.

What are the 6 gases regulated by the Kyoto protocol?

Know the 3 main ways countries can meet their Kyoto targets. 

Be able to discuss why it’s so difficult to predict future climate.

What is the goal of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)?

Discuss ways in which we, as a society, can reduce our pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions.

 Last Updated:
12/05/2005