Energy in Earth's Atmosphere

Front

What are the three layers of the atmosphere that absorb most of the sun's radiation?

Back

thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere

Front

What form of radiation is similar to heat?

Back

infrared

Front

How does conduction occur at the earth's surface?

Back

The ground warms up and transfers heat to the air it is in direct contact with.

Front

Which layer of the atmosphere receives the least amount of the sun's radiation?

Back

troposphere

Front

How do convection currents form in the atmosphere?

Back

Warm air rises, then cool air replaces it, and the cycle occurs over and over.

Front

What is the troposphere?

Back

The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere where weather occurs and where most of the sun's radiation is absorbed.

Front

What is the stratosphere?

Back

The layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere, containing the ozone layer which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation.

Front

What is the mesosphere?

Back

The layer of the atmosphere above the stratosphere, where temperatures decrease with altitude and meteors burn up.

Front

What is the thermosphere?

Back

The layer of the atmosphere above the mesosphere, characterized by high temperatures and the presence of ionized gases.

Front

What is infrared radiation?

Back

A type of electromagnetic radiation that is felt as heat and is emitted by warm objects.