Science Reading Earth 1

Front

What is the atmosphere?

Back

The atmosphere is the layer of gases surrounding the Earth, primarily composed of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases.

Front

What happens to air when it rises?

Back

When air rises, it expands and cools due to lower pressure at higher altitudes.

Front

What is the effect of mountains on wind patterns?

Back

Mountains can alter wind patterns by causing the wind to rise, cool, and potentially lead to precipitation on the windward side.

Front

What is the term for the side of the mountain that faces the wind?

Back

The windward side.

Front

What is the term for the side of the mountain that is sheltered from the wind?

Back

The leeward side.

Front

How do mountains affect precipitation?

Back

Mountains can cause orographic lift, leading to increased precipitation on the windward side and drier conditions on the leeward side.

Front

What is orographic lift?

Back

Orographic lift is the process by which an air mass is forced to rise over a topographic barrier, such as a mountain range.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the warming of the Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Front

What are the primary components of the atmosphere?

Back

The primary components of the atmosphere are nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and trace gases including carbon dioxide, argon, and water vapor.

Front

What is the role of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Back

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that helps regulate the Earth's temperature by trapping heat.