Join us as we track pollutants in the atmosphere. It's been found that most air pollution happens within the layer of atmosphere extending up about ten kilometers, or about six miles, from the ground. As the pollutants mix with ordinary air, a complex series of chemical reactions takes place.
Some pollutants ultimately fall out of the atmosphere as aerosol particles or acid rain . . .
But the actual ozone layer is at the top of the atmosphere. At ground level, ozone can cause respiratory problems and contribute to global warming. Some scientists are now using airplane-mounted equipment and satellites to find out how far pollutants can travel. Joel Block with Deborah Byrd for Earth and Sky.