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Questions and Answers
What resulted from the condensation of water vapor in the early atmosphere?
What resulted from the condensation of water vapor in the early atmosphere?
- Creation of rivers
- Formation of mountains
- Filling of ocean basins (correct)
- Development of ecosystems
James Hutton is recognized as the father of modern biology.
James Hutton is recognized as the father of modern biology.
False (B)
What are the primary photosynthesizing organisms in early Earth's history?
What are the primary photosynthesizing organisms in early Earth's history?
Cyanobacteria
The ___ layer contains the ozone layer.
The ___ layer contains the ozone layer.
Match the following layers of the atmosphere with their descriptions:
Match the following layers of the atmosphere with their descriptions:
What is a key concept that contrasts with catastrophism in geology?
What is a key concept that contrasts with catastrophism in geology?
The temperature in the mesosphere increases with altitude.
The temperature in the mesosphere increases with altitude.
What occurs due to the friction of meteorites in the atmosphere?
What occurs due to the friction of meteorites in the atmosphere?
What percentage of sunlight is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, clouds, and surfaces?
What percentage of sunlight is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, clouds, and surfaces?
The Earth's energy budget demonstrates that the Earth is a closed system.
The Earth's energy budget demonstrates that the Earth is a closed system.
What is the term for the measure of reflectivity of surfaces?
What is the term for the measure of reflectivity of surfaces?
Greenhouse gasses contribute to the _______ effect by absorbing certain wavelengths of energy.
Greenhouse gasses contribute to the _______ effect by absorbing certain wavelengths of energy.
Match the process of energy interaction with its description:
Match the process of energy interaction with its description:
Which of the following correctly describes an open system?
Which of the following correctly describes an open system?
Dark surfaces absorb more solar radiation compared to light surfaces.
Dark surfaces absorb more solar radiation compared to light surfaces.
What effect does the Earth's magnetic field have on our planet?
What effect does the Earth's magnetic field have on our planet?
What effect can vog have on sunlight?
What effect can vog have on sunlight?
High-pressure systems lead to cloudy and stormy weather.
High-pressure systems lead to cloudy and stormy weather.
What is the heat index?
What is the heat index?
In a low-pressure system, _____ air rises, which can lead to the formation of clouds.
In a low-pressure system, _____ air rises, which can lead to the formation of clouds.
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
What causes cold air to sink?
What causes cold air to sink?
Condensation occurs when warm air meets cold air.
Condensation occurs when warm air meets cold air.
What is the International Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)?
What is the International Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)?
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Study Notes
Formation of Earth and Atmosphere
- Outgassing from Earth released trapped gases, leading to water vapor condensing into oceans.
- Cyanobacteria, early photosynthesizing organisms, contributed to oxygen buildup, creating a toxic atmosphere for some species.
- Geological processes shaped Earth's structures, continually evolving its landscape.
James Hutton and Geology
- Recognized as the "Father of modern geology" for emphasizing gradual processes like erosion over sudden catastrophic events.
- Proposed that Earth's features develop slowly rather than through quick, dramatic occurrences.
Atmospheric Layers
- Troposphere: Weather phenomena occur; temperature decreases with altitude.
- Stratosphere: Contains ozone layer; temperature increases with altitude.
- Mesosphere: Meteorites burn upon entry; this is the coldest layer with decreasing temperature.
- Thermosphere: Home to auroras; temperature increases significantly here.
- Exosphere: Outermost layer; very low gas density and hottest, transitioning into space.
Weather and Climate Characteristics
- Weather: Short-term atmospheric conditions; e.g., "It will be 30 degrees tomorrow and rainy."
- Influencing factors:
- Temperature: Affects convection currents; heat causes air to rise, while cold air density causes it to descend.
- Air Pressure: Concept of atmospheric weight that affects weather patterns.
- High-Pressure Systems: Lead to clear and calm weather as heavy air sinks.
- Low-Pressure Systems: Can result in clouds and storms as lighter air allows vapor to rise.
Typhoon Formation
- Originates in the International Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) where north and southeast trade winds meet.
- Warm ocean water evaporates, meets cold air, leading to cloud formation and potential storms when clouds saturate.
Earth's Protective Features
- Atmosphere: Contains essential gases for breathing and protects against solar radiation.
- Magnetic Field: Shields Earth from cosmic radiation and solar wind particles.
- Plate Tectonics: Facilitates heat escape and the formation of landforms like oceans and mountains.
Earth's Energy Budget
- Represents the balance of solar energy received and energy radiated back into space.
- Changes in energy balance significantly influence climate and weather phenomena.
- Types of systems:
- Open systems: Allow both matter and energy to enter and exit.
- Closed systems: Enable energy exchange but not matter.
- Isolated systems: No exchange of matter or energy.
Solar Energy Dynamics
- Absorption: 81% of sunlight absorbed by atmosphere, clouds, and Earth's surface, increasing temperature due to molecular vibration.
- Reflection: 29% of sunlight reflected back into space, aiding in cooling; surfaces like ice have high albedo, reflecting more sunlight.
- Transmission: Some atmospheric gases absorb parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing visible light to pass through for photosynthesis and visibility.
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