Unit 5 - Atmosphere

Front

What is the typical characteristic of a stationary air mass over the Gulf of Mexico?

Back

Warm and humid.

Front

Which gas is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the lower atmosphere of Earth?

Back

Water vapor.

Front

What is a greenhouse gas?

Back

A gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Examples include water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane.

Front

What weather condition contributes most to the formation of smog?

Back

Temperature inversion.

Front

Which surface condition on Earth results in consistently higher surface temperatures?

Back

Urban Areas.

Front

Define 'temperature inversion'.

Back

A weather phenomenon where a layer of warm air traps cooler air at the surface, often leading to pollution accumulation.

Front

What role does water vapor play in the atmosphere?

Back

Water vapor is a key greenhouse gas that helps regulate Earth's temperature by trapping heat.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The process by which greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, keeping the Earth warm.

Front

Name two major greenhouse gases besides water vapor.

Back

Carbon dioxide and methane.

Front

How does urbanization affect local climate?

Back

Urbanization typically leads to higher temperatures due to heat absorption by buildings and roads, known as the urban heat island effect.