Physical and Chemical Structure of the Atmosphere
8 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary component of the atmosphere?

  • Oxygen
  • Argon
  • Nitrogen (correct)
  • Carbon Dioxide

What percentage of the atmosphere's mass is contained within 6 km from the surface?

  • 50% (correct)
  • 75%
  • 90%
  • 25%

Which atmospheric layer contains most of the clouds and holds about 4/5 of the atmosphere's mass?

  • Stratosphere
  • Thermosphere
  • Troposphere (correct)
  • Mesosphere

How does the greenhouse effect primarily warm the Earth's surface?

<p>By absorbing longwave radiation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gas is not considered a major component of the atmosphere?

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

What is the role of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

<p>They absorb and re-radiate infrared radiation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the atmosphere is closest to space?

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

Which of the following gases has the smallest concentration in the atmosphere?

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

Study Notes

Physical Structure of the Atmosphere

  • Composed of multiple layers with minimal chemical interaction.
  • Approximately 50% of the atmosphere's mass is located within 6 km of the Earth's surface.
  • Atmospheric pressure decreases with height; over 99% of energy is captured close to the surface.

Layers of the Atmosphere

  • Troposphere: Contains most clouds, holds about 4/5 of the atmosphere's mass.
  • Stratosphere: Home to the ozone layer with the ozone maximum.
  • Mesosphere: Interacts with UV rays, cosmic rays, and meteors.
  • Thermosphere/Ionosphere: Known for ionization of gases.
  • Exosphere: The outermost layer of the atmosphere.

Chemical Structure of the Atmosphere

  • Major components:
    • 78% Nitrogen
    • 20.6% Oxygen
    • Less than 1% Argon
    • 0.4% Water vapor
    • 0.036% Carbon dioxide
  • Trace gases include Neon, Helium, Krypton, Hydrogen, Ozone, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide.

The Greenhouse Effect

  • Earth's surface energy sources: the Sun and atmosphere make the surface approximately 33°C warmer than it would be without the atmosphere.
  • Greenhouse gases are transparent to shortwave radiation but absorb longwave radiation, enabling the atmosphere to store energy.
  • The greenhouse effect enhances Earth's average surface temperature by 20-30°C as a result of infrared radiation emission.

Historical Context

  • The greenhouse effect was discovered by Joseph Fourier in 1829.
  • Svante Arrhenius quantitatively investigated the greenhouse effect in 1896.
  • The phenomenon is analogous to the warming of air within a greenhouse compared to outside temperatures.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

ABE 137: Hydrometeorology PDF

Description

Explore the complex physical and chemical structure of the Earth's atmosphere. This quiz covers atmospheric layers, major gas components, and the greenhouse effect, providing a comprehensive view of how these elements interact. Test your knowledge on this essential aspect of environmental science!

More Like This

Earth's Atmosphere Quiz
3 questions
Physical Structure of the Atmosphere
8 questions
Earth Science: Atmosphere Layers Quiz
45 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser