Atmosphere Unit 2: Conditional Instability

Why does atmospheric water vapor condense at the tropopause?

As a result of the cold temperatures at the tropopause

Where is about 90% of the ozone in the atmosphere located?

Stratosphere

Which layer of the atmosphere has very slow vertical air motion?

Stratosphere

At what altitude does the stratopause mark the top of the stratosphere?

-3°C Signup and view all the answers

What happens to temperatures as altitude increases in the mesosphere?

Temperatures decrease Signup and view all the answers

Why might a person struggle to breathe at high levels on a mountain according to the text?

As a result of falling atmospheric pressure Signup and view all the answers

What happens to air parcels near the surface when they spiral into low pressure areas?

They rise Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of winds being deflected toward low pressure areas near the ground?

Coriolis force Signup and view all the answers

Why does the relative humidity of descending air from above typically decrease near the surface around high pressure areas?

Due to warming Signup and view all the answers

How is wind speed related to the Coriolis force and pressure gradient forces near the ground?

Wind speed has no impact on either force Signup and view all the answers

What happens to air parcels around high pressure areas near the surface?

They descend and warm up Signup and view all the answers

In what pattern do winds circulate around a region of high pressure in the Northern Hemisphere?

Clockwise Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the sharp decline in temperatures and increase in pressures between middle latitudes and polar regions?

Coriolis effect preventing mass and heat movement Signup and view all the answers

How do jet stream winds contribute to weather system activity in middle latitudes?

Transporting heat as they shift northward and southward Signup and view all the answers

Where do hurricanes primarily form based on the text?

Tropical waters between 8° and 20° latitude Signup and view all the answers

What happens to relative humidity when it reaches 100 percent?

The air has reached saturation pressure Signup and view all the answers

Why does the western Pacific experience more hurricanes compared to the Atlantic?

Smaller expanse of warm ocean water in the Atlantic Signup and view all the answers

How does high humidity affect people's comfort level?

Makes people feel uncomfortable by reducing sweat evaporation Signup and view all the answers

What is the first sign indicating a potential hurricane formation according to the text?

Appearance of a tropical disturbance Signup and view all the answers

How does the Coriolis effect impact the movement of heat and mass between latitudes?

Preventing easy movement to polar latitudes Signup and view all the answers

Why are atmospheric water vapor concentrations highest in warm regions?

Because warm air can hold more water vapor than cold air Signup and view all the answers

How does adding water vapor to the air affect its density?

Decreases density Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary process described in the text that lifts air from lower to higher altitudes?

Frontal lifting Signup and view all the answers

How does liquid water contribute to the surrounding environment when it evaporates and condenses?

It absorbs energy during evaporation and releases energy during condensation, warming the environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of latent energy in moist air?

It represents the potential for water vapor condensation to heat the air Signup and view all the answers

What impact do low-altitude clouds have on Earth's energy balance?

They reflect incoming solar radiation back into space Signup and view all the answers

Why are clouds considered important factors in Earth's energy balance?

They help regulate Earth's albedo Signup and view all the answers

In which weather condition is convergence most likely to occur?

Tropical conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the result when warm and cold air fronts collide?

The cold air lifts the warm air layer Signup and view all the answers

How do tall, towering clouds formed by strong lifting forces impact weather conditions?

They often generate intense rain or snow storms Signup and view all the answers