Atmospheric Science Key Terms

Module 1 Key Terms

• Atmosphere: The layer of gases surrounding the Earth.
• Air pressure: Force exerted by air on a surface.
• Troposphere: Lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere.
• Stratosphere: Layer above the troposphere, contains the ozone layer.
• Mesosphere: Layer above the stratosphere.
• Thermosphere: Layer above the mesosphere.
• Radiation: Energy transfer as waves or particles.
• Conduction: Energy transfer through direct contact.
• Thermal energy: Heat energy.
• Convection: Energy transfer through the movement of fluids.
• Global warming: Increase in Earth's average temperature.
• Greenhouse effect: Trapping of heat by greenhouse gases.
• Temperature: Measure of heat intensity.
• Global winds: Large-scale patterns of wind circulation.
• Local winds: Small-scale wind patterns.
• Coriolis effect: Deflection of moving objects due to Earth's rotation.
• Water cycle: Movement of water through Earth's atmosphere.
• Jet stream: Strong, high-altitude winds.
• Humidity: Amount of water vapor in the air.
• Relative humidity: Proportion of water vapor in the air.
• Evaporation: Conversion of liquid water to vapor.
• Condensation: Conversion of water vapor to liquid water.
• Cumulus: Puffy, white clouds.
• Stratus: Layered clouds that cover the sky.
• Cirrus: Wispy, feathery clouds.
• Barometer: Instrument that measures air pressure.
• Meteorologist: Scientist who studies weather.
• Precipitation: Any form of water that falls from the atmosphere.
• Air mass: Large body of air with similar temperature and humidity.
• Front: Boundary between air masses.
• Climate: Long-term weather patterns.
• Anemometer: Instrument measuring wind speed.
• Thunderstorm: Storm with thunder and lightning.
• Tornado: Violent, rotating column of air.
• Hurricane: Severe tropical storm.

Module 1 Atmospheric Layers

• The earth's atmosphere is composed of layers.
• The layering is just right to support life.

Module 1 Convection, Conduction, and Radiation

• Energy transfers from one object to another through three different processes: convection, conduction, and radiation.
• Convection cells are formed in the atmosphere causing energy transfer.
• Conduction describes energy transfer through contact between surfaces.
• Radiation is the process of energy transfer through waves.
• Most energy transferred by conduction happens close to the earth's surface.
• The sun uses radiation as its primary method of transferring energy.

Module 1 Understanding Weather and Climate

• Weather: Short-term atmospheric conditions.
• Climate: Long-term average weather patterns and conditions.
• Studying weather and climate is important as it affects human lives and the environment.

Module 1 Factors Affecting Climate

• Distance from the sea: Coastal areas have a more moderate climate than inland areas due to the sea's influence on temperature.
• Ocean currents: Carry warm and cold water altering temperature patterns and climates.

Module 1 Climate Zones

• Climate zones are influenced by prevailing winds.
• Land shapes influences climate conditions.
• El Niño affects climate patterns globally.

Module 1 Winds

• Winds are caused by differences in air pressure.
• Convection currents cause air movement.
• Winds are distinguished by direction and speed.

Module 1 Experiencing Weather

• Weather forecast: Prediction of future weather conditions.
• Meteorologists create weather forecasts using various instruments and data.
• Severe weather: Extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms.

Module 1 Clouds

• Clouds are made of water droplets or ice crystals.
• Clouds are classified based on shape.

Module 1 Air Masses and Fronts

• An air mass is a large body of air with similar properties (humidity and temperature).
• Fronts are boundaries between air masses of different characteristics.

Module 1 Precipitation

• Precipitation includes rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc.
• A variety of factors affect different forms of precipitation.