Earth Science: Atmosphere Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the outermost of the four environmental spheres in Earth's atmosphere?

The atmosphere

What is the main function of Earth's atmosphere?

It provides a canopy over the Earth's surface, acting a barrier to harmful ultraviolet radiation.

What are the three main categories of components in Earth's atmosphere?

Non-variable gases, Variable gases, and Particulates.

What is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere by volume?

<p>Nitrogen</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the second most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere by volume?

<p>Oxygen</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'variable' gases in Earth's atmosphere?

<p>They play a crucial role in sustaining life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of atmospheric particulates?

<p>Liquids and solids derived primarily from Earth's surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of particles in the atmosphere?

<p>They contribute to atmospheric processes and phenomena such as cloud formation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary way that the atmosphere influences the Earth's surface?

<p>Through the cycle of evaporation and precipitation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Atmosphere

The gaseous envelope surrounding the Earth, vital for life and affecting the planet's physical environment.

Troposphere

The layer of the atmosphere closest to Earth's surface, where nearly all weather occurs.

Tropopause

The upper boundary of the troposphere, marked by a halt in the decrease of temperature with increasing altitude.

Stratosphere

The second layer of the atmosphere, extending from the tropopause to approximately 50 km altitude.

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Stratopause

The upper boundary of the stratosphere, marking the transition to the next layer.

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Mesosphere

The third layer of the atmosphere, located between 50 and 80 km above the Earth's surface.

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Thermosphere

The fourth layer of the atmosphere, extending from 80 km to 600 km altitude.

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Exosphere

The outermost layer of the atmosphere, blending into space, reaching approximately 800 km altitude.

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Atmospheric Pressure

The force per unit of area exerted on Earth's surface by the weight of the air above.

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Low Pressure System (Cyclone)

A region of low atmospheric pressure often associated with rising air parcels, often leading to cloudy and rainy weather.

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High Pressure System (Anticyclone)

A region of high atmospheric pressure often associated with descending air parcels, typically resulting in clear, dry conditions.

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Wind

The movement of air molecules in the atmosphere, caused by differences in air pressure.

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Global Circulation System

The global circulation pattern that distributes heat from the tropics to the poles.

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Hadley Cell

A type of atmospheric circulation cell found near the equator, driven by the rising of warm, moist air.

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Ferrel Cell

Named after William Ferrell, it explains the westerly winds between 35° and 60° North and South latitude.

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Polar Cell

The smallest and weakest of the major circulation cells, found near the poles.

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Monsoon

A wind system caused by temperature contrasts between land and ocean surfaces.

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Summer Monsoon

The wet season of a monsoon, characterized by heavy rainfall due to onshore winds from the warm ocean.

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Winter Monsoon

The dry season of a monsoon, characterized by dry winds blowing from the land to the warmer ocean.

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General Circulation of Air in the Troposphere / Global Circulation

The general circulation of air in the troposphere, driven by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface.

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Northeast Trade Winds (Northern Hemisphere) & Southeast Trade Winds (Southern Hemisphere)

The circulation of air within the Hadley Cell, where winds flow to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere due to the Coriolis effect.

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