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GCSE Chemistry · key term
A reduction in the amount of radiation reaching Earth's surface because particulates in the atmosphere block or scatter some of it.
Used by AQA and OCR
Specification 4.9.3.2 · Paper 2
Revise: Effects of PollutantsParticulates also cause global dimming. Some incoming radiation is blocked or scattered by particles in the atmosphere, so less radiation reaches Earth's surface. “Dimming” therefore refers to reduced incoming radiation, not to the trapping of outgoing radiation associated with the greenhouse effect.
Specification C6.3f · Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 4 (Higher)
A reduction in the sunlight reaching Earth’s surface because particles in the atmosphere scatter or block it.
Revise: Atmospheric PollutantsAirborne particles can also reduce the sunlight reaching Earth’s surface, an effect called global dimming. The problems caused by particulates are therefore different from carbon monoxide poisoning and from the acid rain associated with sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen.
Link each pollutant to its specific effects: carbon monoxide → toxicity; sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides → respiratory problems and acid rain; particulates → health problems and global dimming.
Do not confuse global dimming with global warming. Global dimming is a reduction in the radiation reaching Earth's surface because particulates block or scatter it.
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