Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which planet in our solar system does NOT have an atmosphere?
Which planet in our solar system does NOT have an atmosphere?
- Jupiter
- Mars
- Mercury (correct)
- Earth
What does the word 'ATMO' literally mean?
What does the word 'ATMO' literally mean?
- Air
- Round
- Space
- Vapor (correct)
What are the three ways our atmosphere protects us?
What are the three ways our atmosphere protects us?
- Protects from solar radiation, prevents earthquakes, prevents floods
- Protects from space debris, prevents earthquakes, prevents floods
- Protects from solar radiation, protects from space debris, prevents earthquakes
- Protects from solar radiation, protects from space debris, prevents water vapor and all other gases from escaping Earth (correct)
Why is the Troposphere also called the Biosphere?
Why is the Troposphere also called the Biosphere?
What happens to temperature as we go higher in the Troposphere?
What happens to temperature as we go higher in the Troposphere?
What are three reasons why the atmosphere turns lethal as we go higher?
What are three reasons why the atmosphere turns lethal as we go higher?
What is the importance of the Ozone Layer to life on Earth?
What is the importance of the Ozone Layer to life on Earth?
Which layer of the atmosphere is the only one where you will find atmospheric phenomena such as rain, storms, hail, clouds?
Which layer of the atmosphere is the only one where you will find atmospheric phenomena such as rain, storms, hail, clouds?
What is the main effect of CFGs on the Ozone layer?
What is the main effect of CFGs on the Ozone layer?
Why were CFC gases banned globally by 1987?
Why were CFC gases banned globally by 1987?
What weather phenomenon is responsible for replenishing the Ozone layer?
What weather phenomenon is responsible for replenishing the Ozone layer?
What is the significance of John Kittinger and Felix Baumgartner in the study of the Atmosphere?
What is the significance of John Kittinger and Felix Baumgartner in the study of the Atmosphere?
Why are balloons used to climb to the Stratosphere only filled with helium halfway?
Why are balloons used to climb to the Stratosphere only filled with helium halfway?
What happens to temperature as we go higher in the Stratosphere?
What happens to temperature as we go higher in the Stratosphere?
What happens to temperature as we go higher in the Mesosphere?
What happens to temperature as we go higher in the Mesosphere?
Why do Meteorites burn as they go through the Mesosphere?
Why do Meteorites burn as they go through the Mesosphere?
Study Notes
Atmosphere and Its Layers
- Not all planets have an atmosphere; Mercury is the only planet in our solar system without one.
- The word "atmosphere" comes from "atmo-" meaning vapor and "-sphere" meaning round.
- Atmosphere is a protective barrier of gases surrounding the Earth.
Functions of the Atmosphere
- Protects us from solar radiation
- Protects from space debris
- Prevents water vapor and gases from escaping Earth
Layers of the Atmosphere
- Scientists discovered pauses in temperature change between layers, allowing them to separate the atmosphere into 5 distinct layers.
Troposphere
- Also known as the Biosphere, as it's where all living things are located on the Earth's surface
- Temperature decreases as you go higher in the Troposphere
- This layer is where atmospheric phenomena such as rain, storms, hail, and clouds occur
Risks of Higher Altitudes
- Decreased oxygen levels
- Lower air pressure
- Extreme temperatures make the atmosphere lethal at higher altitudes
Stratosphere
- Hotter than the Troposphere due to ozone molecules absorbing energy from UV rays
- Ozone layer absorbs radiation from the sun, preventing it from reaching the planet's surface
Ozone Layer
- Important for life on Earth, as it prevents radiation damage to plants, crops, humans, and skin
- Man-made CFC gases damaged the Ozone Layer, allowing more UV radiation to reach the surface
Other Layers
- Mesosphere: temperature decreases as you move away from the Ozone layer
- Thermosphere: low air density, so meteors do not burn here
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Description
Quiz about the planets and their atmospheres, including Mercury and the protective functions of the Earth's atmosphere.
