ABE 311: Layers of the Atmosphere

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the ozone layer in the atmosphere?

It provides oxygen for breathing.

It filters out all forms of radiation.

It absorbs high energy UV light and converts it into heat. (correct)

It regulates the temperature of the Earth.

Which layer of the atmosphere is the coldest, with temperatures reaching around -100°C?

Stratosphere

Troposphere

Mesosphere (correct)

Thermosphere

In which layer of the atmosphere do most meteors burn up?

Mesosphere (correct)

Thermosphere

Stratosphere

Troposphere

What happens to temperatures as one ascends through the troposphere?

Temperatures decrease. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Greenhouse Effect in relation to Earth's atmosphere?

It prevents the escape of heat from the Earth. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does humidity have on daily maximum temperatures?

It lowers daily maximum temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

How does cloudiness affect the diurnal temperature range?

It leads to cooler days and warmer nights. Signup and view all the answers

What role does wind speed play in temperature variation?

It helps mix air with different temperatures, moderating temperature range. Signup and view all the answers

What is identified as the primary mode of interaction in the text?

Evaporation Signup and view all the answers

How does albedo influence diurnal temperature range?

Higher albedo results in lower temperatures during the day. Signup and view all the answers

What causes water movement according to the given content?

Wind momentum Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs as a result of elevation differences between valleys and mountains?

Valley and mountain breezes develop due to temperature differences. Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon is mentioned as a tropical mode of interaction?

Tropical Cyclone Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of energy that is gained in the water movement described?

Warm ocean waters Signup and view all the answers

What area does the document pertain to?

Tropical regions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not mentioned as a process related to energy gain in water movement?

Precipitation Signup and view all the answers

Which institution is associated with the information provided?

University of the Philippines Signup and view all the answers

What measurement unit is mentioned in the context of transport?

Petawatts Signup and view all the answers

What primarily heats the troposphere?

Latent heat, longwave radiation, and sensible heat Signup and view all the answers

How does the tropopause height in the tropics compare to the poles?

It is higher in the tropics by approximately 7 km. Signup and view all the answers

What temperature range is observed in the tropics near equatorial regions?

< 1.5°C Signup and view all the answers

Which region is known for having the highest range of annual temperatures among tropical continental regions?

Australia Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the vertical expansion of the troposphere in the tropics?

Surplus heating in the area Signup and view all the answers

What effect does deep tropical clouds have on energy transfer in the atmosphere?

They transfer latent heat high in the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

Which area experiences the highest range of temperatures among midcontinental regions?

Subtropics of Africa Signup and view all the answers

What is the average height of the tropical tropopause?

18 km Signup and view all the answers

What process releases latent heat to the atmosphere?

Condensation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a source of moisture for convection in tropical regions?

Tropical oceans Signup and view all the answers

What primarily shapes the strength and location of convection in the atmosphere?

Surface fluxes of sensible heat Signup and view all the answers

What is typically indicated by low Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) regions?

Deep convective clouds Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a part of surface-atmosphere interactions concerning energy transport?

Solar intensity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of spatial and temporal changes in convective areas?

Dramatic changes in global climate Signup and view all the answers

During which process is latent heat removed from the atmosphere?

Evaporation Signup and view all the answers

Which region is associated with the lowest Outgoing Longwave Radiation based on the provided information?

Western Pacific Ocean Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of tropical oceans in convective processes?

Supplies moisture Signup and view all the answers

Which process is integral to the transport of energy within and from the tropics?

Surface-atmosphere interactions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Layers of the Atmosphere

The atmosphere has a thickness comparable to an onion's skin, crucial for life on Earth.
Protects from harmful solar radiation and maintains warmth via the Greenhouse Effect.
Divided into four main layers based on temperature:
- Troposphere: Contains most of the atmosphere's water and where weather occurs; temperature decreases with altitude.
- Stratosphere: Contains the ozone layer which absorbs UV light, increasing temperatures with altitude.
- Mesosphere: Coldest layer, reaching -100°C; most meteors burn up here.
- Thermosphere: Temperatures can exceed 2000°C, but air is too thin to breathe.

Latitudinal Distribution of Incoming Radiation

Maximum solar radiation is observed at the equator and minimum at the poles.
Radiation spreads over greater areas at higher latitudes due to beam depletion by the atmosphere.

Latent Heating and Convective Cloud Distribution

Latent heat transfer is essential for energy transport and atmospheric circulation.
Condensation and precipitation release latent heat, while evaporation removes it.
Tropical oceans are key moisture sources for convection, influenced by surface heat fluxes.

Mean Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR)

OLR from 1979 to 1995 indicates patterns of energy emitted by deep convective clouds.
Areas with blue and red show the lowest OLR.

Annual Cycle of Cloud Tops

Significant spatial and temporal changes in convective areas affect global climate dynamics.

Surface-Atmosphere Interactions

Integral for energy transport within the tropics.
Evaporation driven by wind momentum enhances water movement and energy exchange.

Atmospheric Structure and Heating

Troposphere is primarily heated from below via latent heat and longwave radiation.
Tropical regions experience a vertical expansion, with the tropopause at 18 km, higher than at the poles (averaging 11 km).

Seasonal and Geographic Temperature Distribution

Tropics maintain a low temperature range (<1.5°C), with more significant variances found in midcontinental areas.
Australia exhibits the highest temperature range (21-32°C) among tropical continental regions.

Diurnal Temperature Variability

Factors affecting mean diurnal temperature range:
- Humidity moderates temperature variation; higher moisture leads to cooler daytime high temperatures.
- Cloudiness cools days and warms nights, reducing the diurnal range.
- Wind speed enhances mixing of air, moderating temperature extremes.
- Albedo: High reflectivity surfaces remain cooler than low reflectivity ones.
- Elevation impacts heating, causing distinct temperature patterns between mountain and valley areas.

Extreme Temperatures in the Tropics

Tropical regions can experience extreme temperature variations due to local environmental factors.

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Description

Explore the different layers of Earth's atmosphere in this quiz designed for ABE 311. Understand how these layers protect life on Earth and their role in the greenhouse effect and water cycle. Test your knowledge on atmospheric phenomena, including the auroras.