|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries: |
Research categories | Follow us on Twitter |
Research categories
View all topics in the newsView all reference sources at Encyclopedia.com |
|||
photochemical smog
photochemical smog A hazy condition of the atmosphere caused by the reaction of hydrocarbons with molecules of nitrogen oxide in sunlight, which produces complex organic molecules of peroxyacetyl nitrates (PAN). In humid conditions these molecules produce smog. Such phenomena are common in large urban areas (e.g. the Los Angeles basin and Athens) where there are stable atmospheric conditions and a high level of hydrocarbon input from incomplete combustion in car engines. Natural photochemical reactions occur in the high atmosphere with the absorption of radiation by oxygen to produce ozone. See also ozone layer.
|
|
|
Cite this article
MICHAEL ALLABY. "photochemical smog." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "photochemical smog." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-photochemicalsmog.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "photochemical smog." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-photochemicalsmog.html |
|
photochemical smog
photochemical smog Hazy condition of the atmosphere due to the reaction of hydrocarbons with molecules of nitrogen oxide in sunlight which produces complex organic molecules of peroxyacetyl nitrates (PAN). In humid conditions these molecules produce smog. Such phenomena are common in large urban areas (e.g. the Los Angeles Basin and Athens) where there are stable atmospheric conditions and a high level of hydrocarbon input from incomplete combustion in car engines. Natural photochemical reactions occur in the high atmosphere with the absorption of radiation by oxygen to produce ozone. See also OZONE LAYER.
|
|
|
Cite this article
AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "photochemical smog." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "photochemical smog." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-photochemicalsmog.html AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "photochemical smog." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-photochemicalsmog.html |
|
photochemical smog
photochemical smog A noxious smog produced by the reaction of nitrogen oxides with hydrocarbons in the presence of ultraviolet light from the sun. The reaction is very complex and one of the products is ozone. See also air pollution.
|
|
|
Cite this article
"photochemical smog." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "photochemical smog." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-photochemicalsmog.html "photochemical smog." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-photochemicalsmog.html |
|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries:
HighBeam™ Research, Inc. © Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
The Encyclopedia.com advertising network includes:
