Atmospheric Science Key Terms

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Questions and Answers

What is the name of the gas that makes up approximately 78% of the atmosphere?

Nitrogen

What term describes the atmospheric pressure exerted in all directions?

Air pressure

Identify the three methods of energy transfer between the Earth’s surface and the atmosphere.

Convection, Conduction, Radiation

Where does most energy transfer by conduction occur?

At the Earth's surface Signup and view all the answers

What type of energy transfer can occur through a vacuum?

Radiation Signup and view all the answers

Explain what the Coriolis effect is responsible for in the Earth's atmosphere.

It causes the deflection of winds and ocean currents due to Earth's rotation. Signup and view all the answers

What creates local and global winds in the atmosphere?

Differences in temperature and pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when water vapor in the air turns into liquid water?

Condensation Signup and view all the answers

How does energy from the sun travel to Earth?

Energy from the sun travels by radiation. Signup and view all the answers

What two factors determine climate zones?

Climate zones are determined by average temperature and average precipitation. Signup and view all the answers

What causes winds?

All winds are caused by differences in air pressure in the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main types of clouds?

The three main types of clouds are cumulus, stratus, and cirrus. Signup and view all the answers

What do air masses classify based on?

Air masses are classified based on their temperature and humidity. Signup and view all the answers

What is common at a front in terms of weather?

At a front, the weather is usually unstable and precipitation is common. Signup and view all the answers

What initiates thunderstorms?

Thunderstorms form when warm, moist air is forced upward. Signup and view all the answers

What are the typical safety rules during a tornado?

Seek shelter in a basement or an interior room away from windows during a tornado. Signup and view all the answers

How are cirrus clouds characterized?

Cirrus clouds are high, thin, and wispy clouds often indicating fair weather. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of nimbus clouds?

Nimbus clouds are associated with precipitation and often appear dark and thick. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

Explore key terms related to the Earth's atmosphere and weather dynamics in this quiz. From layers of the atmosphere to the concepts of energy transfer and climate change, test your understanding of foundational atmospheric science. Perfect for students studying environmental science or meteorology.