Atmosphere and Climate Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of incoming solar radiation is typically absorbed by the Earth's surface?

48%

70% (correct)

29%

23%

Which gas is NOT considered a greenhouse gas?

Ozone (O3)

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Methane (CH4)

Nitrogen (N2) (correct)

What primarily causes the increase in atmospheric CO2 levels leading to global warming?

Deforestation (correct)

Volcanic eruptions

Ocean absorption

Increased nitrogen levels

How does increasing sea ice melting affect Earth's energy budget?

Decreases surface reflectivity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

Global warming Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the stratospheric ozone layer?

To shield against UV radiation Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant effect of volcanic eruptions on the Earth's energy budget?

They reflect incoming solar radiation Signup and view all the answers

Which process uses a large amount of incoming solar radiation at the Earth's surface?

Evaporation of water Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of water vapor condensing back to liquid water?

It releases 580 calories of heat energy. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is the most important in influencing the climate of an area?

Latitudinal distribution of sunlight Signup and view all the answers

What happens to air as it warms and rises?

It expands and cools. Signup and view all the answers

What defines weather in a specific area?

Current local conditions at a given moment. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Coriolis Effect cause in the Northern Hemisphere?

Deflection of air to the right. Signup and view all the answers

How does the shape and tilt of the Earth affect solar energy distribution?

It causes varying angles of sunlight at different latitudes. Signup and view all the answers

During which process does solar energy convert into latent heat?

Evaporation Signup and view all the answers

What is true about cool air in relation to moisture content?

Cool air holds less moisture than warm air. Signup and view all the answers

What type of air mass is characterized by cold and dry conditions and forms over Canada and the Arctic?

Continental polar Signup and view all the answers

What happens to cool and dry air at subtropical latitudes as it descends?

It heats up and becomes dry. Signup and view all the answers

Which jet stream is mentioned as significant for weather patterns in the northern hemisphere?

Northern hemisphere polar jet stream Signup and view all the answers

What is the general movement direction of the jet stream mentioned?

From west to east Signup and view all the answers

What climate characteristic is primarily influenced by air masses in temperate latitudes?

Temperature and precipitation Signup and view all the answers

What effect does a larger temperature and pressure difference between two air masses have on the jet stream?

Faster jet stream movement Signup and view all the answers

How do maritime tropical air masses influence weather conditions?

By introducing warm and moist air Signup and view all the answers

Which atmospheric condition is commonly associated with stalled rain due to the jet stream's influence?

Flooding Signup and view all the answers

What effect does an increase in temperature have on air pressure?

It decreases air pressure. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Gulf Stream affect climates in northern latitudes?

It transports heat from the equator to northern latitudes. Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt?

Warm water from the Gulf Stream in the Norwegian Sea. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Coriolis Effect play in wind movement?

It deflects wind, altering its path along the boundary of air masses. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to cold, salty water in the ocean?

It sinks to the bottom. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of ocean currents?

Movements of earth, air, and solar energy. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the jet stream as the Arctic continues to warm?

It becomes weaker and less stable. Signup and view all the answers

What is a boundary between two different air masses called?

A front. Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon is characterized by higher than normal sea surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean?

El Niño Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary atmospheric effect of El Niño on North America?

Strengthened jet stream Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions is likely to experience drought during an El Niño event?

Australia Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant ecological consequence of El Niño on the tropical Pacific?

Decreased primary production Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the Atlantic hurricane frequency during La Niña years compared to El Niño years?

More hurricanes during La Niña Signup and view all the answers

Which event led to the most significant coral bleaching on record?

1997–1998 El Niño Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the consequences of the decreased primary production during El Niño?

Declining fish species populations Signup and view all the answers

Which adverse environmental event increased due to drought-related conditions during the 1997–1998 El Niño?

Massive forest fires Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Atmosphere Composition and Barometric Pressure

Troposphere consists of 78% nitrogen (N₂), 21% oxygen (O₂), and 0.035% carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Barometric pressure decreases with altitude due to lower air density.

Earth’s Energy Budget

Incoming solar radiation: 340 W/m².
29% reflected by clouds, aerosols, and bright surfaces (e.g., sea ice).
23% absorbed by clouds and atmospheric gases.
48% directly absorbed by the Earth's surface.
Total: 70% insolation absorbed; 30% reflected back to space.
Absorbed heat is used for surface heating, water evaporation, and photosynthesis.

Greenhouse Gases and Effect

Greenhouse gases (e.g., water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane) capture long-wave radiation, trapping heat near the Earth's surface.
Ozone (O₃) acts as a harmful smog at ground level and a beneficial UV shield in the stratosphere.
CFCs harm ozone layer and were banned due to their destructive effect.

Climate and Weather

Weather describes local conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.), while climate refers to average conditions over time.
Coriolis Effect causes air deflection: right in the Northern Hemisphere, left in the Southern Hemisphere.
Influences on climate include latitude, ocean proximity, elevation, and mountains.

Air Circulation and Climate Patterns

Hadley Cell: air rises at the equator, moves poleward, sinks at subtropical latitudes, contributing to global circulation patterns.
Warm, moist air rises at the equator, cools, then descends as dry air, forming deserts in subtropical regions.
Major airmasses influence temperate weather: continental polar, maritime polar, maritime tropical, and continental tropical.

Jet Stream Dynamics

Jet streams: fast, high-altitude winds that separate air masses and affect weather patterns.
Strength of jet stream is determined by temperature and pressure differences between air masses.

Ocean Influences on Climate

Ocean currents transfer heat and moderate coastal climates.
The Gulf Stream transports warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to Western Europe.

Great Ocean Conveyor Belt

Global ocean circulation driven by thermohaline currents (temperature and salinity) and wind-driven currents.
Cold, salty water sinks while warm water remains on the surface, creating a continuous global conveyor belt.

Teleconnections and ENSO

ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation): fluctuations between warmer (El Niño) and colder (La Niña) sea surface temperatures.
El Niño impacts global weather by strengthening the jet stream, leading to extreme weather events.
La Niña is associated with increased hurricane likelihood, while El Niño reduces marine primary production and can cause coral bleaching.

Global Weather Changes from ENSO

Drought conditions in Australia during El Niño; heavy rains in the central Pacific and western South America.
Increased forest fires during major El Niño events can decimate ecosystems and biodiversity.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the composition of the atmosphere, barometric pressure, and Earth's energy budget. Explore the role of greenhouse gases, ozone, and their effects on climate and weather. This quiz covers essential concepts related to atmospheric science and climate change.