Earth's Atmosphere Layers and Heat Transfer
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Questions and Answers

What percentage of incoming solar radiation is reflected into space by various elements in the atmosphere?

  • 10%
  • 50%
  • 20%
  • 30% (correct)

Which gas is NOT considered a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere?

  • Methane
  • Carbon Dioxide (COâ‚‚)
  • Oxygen (Oâ‚‚) (correct)
  • Water Vapor

How does conduction primarily occur in the atmosphere?

  • By the absorption of solar radiation
  • Through the movement of air currents
  • By the formation of convection currents
  • Through direct contact between substances (correct)

What drives the movement that creates convection currents in the atmosphere?

<p>Differences in temperature and density (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes radiation?

<p>Transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to warm air near the surface of the Earth as it heats up?

<p>It becomes less dense and rises (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process directly transfers heat from the Earth’s surface to the air above it?

<p>Conduction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do convection currents influence weather patterns?

<p>By distributing heat through the atmosphere (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that causes the intensity of sunlight to vary across Earth’s surface throughout the year?

<p>The tilt of the Earth relative to its orbit (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the tilt of the Earth’s axis relative to its orbital plane around the Sun?

<p>23.5° (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the length of daytime during the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere?

<p>Daytime is the shortest of the year (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes the two times a year when day and night are approximately equal in length everywhere on Earth?

<p>Equinox (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Earth's tilt affect the Arctic Circle during the summer solstice?

<p>It experiences 24 hours of daylight (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does solar energy initially interact with the atmosphere upon reaching Earth?

<p>It is partially absorbed, reflected, and scattered by the atmosphere (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which atmospheric layer is primarily responsible for absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation?

<p>Stratosphere (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon in the troposphere causes the blue color of the sky?

<p>Scattering of sunlight (Rayleigh scattering) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer absorbs high-energy X-rays and ultraviolet radiation, leading to extreme temperatures?

<p>Thermosphere (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of clouds and aerosols in the atmosphere regarding solar energy?

<p>Reflecting solar energy back into space (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which atmospheric layer is most of the infrared radiation from Earth's surface absorbed, contributing to the greenhouse effect?

<p>Troposphere (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the exosphere interact with solar energy?

<p>It does not reflect solar energy due to lack of particles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which atmospheric layer has limited scattering of sunlight compared to the troposphere?

<p>Stratosphere (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do atmospheric layers protect life on Earth from harmful solar energy?

<p>The ozone layer in the stratosphere absorbs most UV radiation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is solar energy transferred through the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface?

<p>As radiation passing through all layers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What real-world process demonstrates the interaction of solar energy with atmospheric layers and life on Earth?

<p>Photosynthesis, which depends on sunlight reaching the surface (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the tilt of the Earth’s axis have on day length?

<p>It allows for varying amounts of sunlight based on the hemisphere's orientation to the Sun (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Earth's tilt affect sunlight intensity?

<p>It leads to more concentrated sunlight when a hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate tilt angle of the Earth’s axis relative to its orbital plane?

<p>23.5 degrees (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What seasonal effect is primarily caused by the Earth's axial tilt?

<p>Differences in seasonal weather patterns (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs as a direct result of the Earth's axial tilt during different seasons?

<p>Longer days during summer and shorter days during winter (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the tilt of the Earth affect sunlight intensity during the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere?

<p>The Northern Hemisphere receives the most direct sunlight (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the equinoxes, what is the orientation of the Sun's rays relative to the equator?

<p>The rays are focused directly over the equator (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which regions of the Earth do variations in day length become most extreme?

<p>Closer to the poles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What season occurs in the Northern Hemisphere when it is tilted towards the Sun?

<p>Summer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes the length of daytime to change throughout the year in different locations?

<p>The Earth’s tilted axis and its orbit around the Sun (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, what season is it in the Southern Hemisphere?

<p>Winter (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the tilt of the Earth impact the seasons?

<p>It determines which hemisphere receives more direct sunlight during different times of the year (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the atmosphere is primarily responsible for absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation?

<p>Stratosphere (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Radiation

Transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves. Doesn't need a medium to travel.

Conduction

Heat transfer through direct contact between substances.

Convection

Heat transfer by the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) due to temperature differences.

Albedo Effect

The reflection of solar radiation back into space by clouds, atmospheric particles, and Earth’s surface.

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Greenhouse Gases

Gases like CO2, water vapor, and methane that trap some heat, warming Earth.

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Troposphere

Lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere where weather occurs.

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Infrared Radiation

Type of electromagnetic radiation that is absorbed by the troposphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

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Earth's surface heating

The process where the sun's radiation is absorbed by the Earth's surface, heating it directly.

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Solar Energy Interaction with Atmosphere

Solar energy is partially absorbed, reflected, and scattered by the atmosphere.

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Ozone Layer Function

Absorbs most harmful UV radiation from the sun.

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Rayleigh Scattering

Causes the blue color of the sky due to scattering of sunlight.

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Thermosphere Absorption

Absorbs high-energy X-rays and UV radiation, causing extreme heat.

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Cloud/Aerosol Role in Solar Energy

Reflect incoming solar radiation into space.

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Exosphere Interaction with Solar Energy

Minimal absorption, reflection, or scattering of solar energy; transition layer to space.

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Solar energy interaction with troposphere

Solar energy is partially absorbed, reflected, and scattered.

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Correct Explanation of Solar Energy Interaction with Earth's Atmosphere

Solar energy is partially absorbed, reflected, and scattered.

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Earth's axial tilt

The Earth's axis is tilted 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane around the Sun.

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Impact of tilt on day length

Different hemispheres receive varying sunlight amounts throughout the year, causing changes in daylight hours.

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Sunlight intensity

The tilt affects the intensity of sunlight: the more direct the angle, the more intense the sunlight.

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Ozone layer's role

Absorbs most UV radiation, protecting life from harmful radiation.

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Solar radiation transfer

Solar energy travels through the atmosphere as radiation.

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Atmospheric Protection

Atmospheric layers shield Earth's surface from harmful solar radiation.

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Solar Energy & Life

Photosynthesis relies on sunlight reaching Earth's surface to power the process.

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Atmospheric absorption

Some atmospheric layers absorb high energy radiation.

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Earth's Tilt

The Earth's axis is tilted at approximately 23.5 degrees, causing different hemispheres to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.

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Summer Solstice

The day when the Northern Hemisphere receives the most direct sunlight, resulting in the longest daylight hours.

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Arctic Circle

A circle of latitude at approximately 66.5 degrees north of the equator that experiences 24 hours of daylight during the summer solstice.

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Seasons and Hemispheres

The Earth's tilt causes opposite seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. When it's summer in the North, it's winter in the South.

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Earth's Atmosphere

A layer of gases surrounding the Earth that protects and regulates its climate.

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Ozone Layer

A layer within the stratosphere that absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

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Greenhouse Effect

The process where certain gases in the atmosphere trap infrared radiation, leading to a warming of the planet.

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Solar Energy Transfer

Solar energy reaches Earth as radiation, passing through all layers of the atmosphere.

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Earth's Tilt & Seasons

The Earth's tilted axis (23.5 degrees) causes different hemispheres to receive varying amounts of direct sunlight throughout the year, leading to seasons.

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Summer Solstice in Northern Hemisphere

The day with the longest daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere when the Sun's rays hit the Tropic of Cancer most directly.

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Equinoxes

Twice a year, when day and night are equally long everywhere on Earth. Occur when the Sun is directly over the Equator.

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Solar Energy Interaction with Earth

The process of solar energy reaching Earth, being partially absorbed, reflected, and scattered by the atmosphere, influencing Earth's climate and temperatures.

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Photosynthesis: A Real-World Example

The process where plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar - demonstrates the interaction of solar energy, atmospheric layers, and life on Earth.

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Winter Solstice

The day with the shortest period of daylight in a hemisphere. Occurs when that hemisphere is tilted farthest from the sun.

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Polar Day

A period of continuous daylight near the poles during the summer solstice.

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Polar Night

A period of continuous darkness near the poles during the winter solstice.

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How do seasons affect sunlight intensity?

The tilt of the Earth's axis causes different hemispheres to receive varying amounts of direct sunlight throughout the year. The hemisphere tilted towards the sun experiences summer, with longer days and stronger sunlight, while the hemisphere tilted away experiences winter, with shorter days and weaker sunlight.

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Why is the day length different at the poles?

The poles experience extreme variations in day length throughout the year. During summer, the poles experience continuous daylight (polar day), while during winter, they experience continuous darkness (polar night). This is due to the extreme tilt of the Earth's axis, resulting in the poles being angled towards or away from the sun for longer periods.

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Study Notes

Earth's Atmosphere Layers

  • The atmosphere is composed of different layers with varying characteristics
  • Key layers include the troposphere, stratosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere

Radiation

  • Radiation is the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves
  • It doesn't need a medium to travel
  • About 30% of incoming solar radiation is reflected back into space
  • The remaining 70% is absorbed by atmospheric molecules, land, and oceans, warming the planet
  • Greenhouse gases trap heat, maintaining Earth's temperature

Conduction

  • Conduction is heat transfer through direct contact between substances
  • When the sun heats Earth's surface, heat is transferred to the air molecules in direct contact
  • Air is a poor conductor, so most conduction occurs near the surface

Convection

  • Convection is heat transfer through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases)
  • Differences in temperature and density cause fluids to move
  • Warm air rises, cools, and sinks, creating convection currents
  • Convection distributes heat throughout the atmosphere, influencing weather patterns like winds and storms

Interactions Between the Three Processes

  • Radiation heats the Earth
  • Conduction transfers the heat from the Earth to the atmosphere
  • Convection distributes the heat throughout the atmosphere, impacting weather and climate

Key Points about Atmospheric Layers

  • Troposphere: The lowest layer, where weather occurs. Absorbs some infrared radiation (greenhouse effect) and is impacted by clouds and aerosols
  • Stratosphere: Contains the ozone layer, which absorbs UV radiation critical for life. Limited scattering of sunlight occurs
  • Thermosphere: Absorbs high-energy radiation, causing high temperatures. Auroras occur here
  • Exosphere: Very thin, virtually no absorption or scattering of solar energy; transition into outer space

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2nd Quarter Reviewer in Earth Science 7 SY 2024-2025 PDF

Description

Explore the different layers of Earth's atmosphere along with the processes of radiation, conduction, and convection. Understand how energy transfers within these layers and the role of greenhouse gases in maintaining Earth's temperature. This quiz covers fundamental concepts crucial for understanding atmospheric science.

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