ABSTRACT
The atmosphere is a thick blanket of gases, containing suspended liquid and solid particles, which completely envelops the earth, and together with the earth forms an integrated environmental system. As part of this system, it performs several functions which have allowed mankind to survive and develop almost anywhere on the earth’s surface. First, it provides and maintains the supply of oxygen required for life itself. Second, it controls the earth’s energy budget through such elements as the ozone layer and the greenhouse effect, and-by means of its internal circulation-distributes heat and moisture across the earth’s surface. Third, it has the capacity to dispose of waste material or pollutants generated by natural or human activity. Society has interfered with all of these elements, and, through ignorance of the mechanisms involved or lack of concern for the consequences of its action, has created or intensified problems which are now causing concern on a global scale.
