Atmosphere vocabulary

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Albedo

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The percentage of reflected sunlight from a surface; runs from 0-1 with 1 = 100% reflectance.

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Troposphere

Back

The layer of atmosphere closest to the surface of the Earth; where all weather occurs.

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Jet Stream

Back

Fast moving narrow westerly air currents located at the top of the Troposphere, responsible for weather patterns. Two Jets: Polar Jet & the Subtropical Jet.

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Cold Front

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A cold air mass moving into a warm air mass creating a rounded shape with cloud formation and precipitation.

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Stratosphere

Back

The layer above the Troposphere; contains the Ozone Layer.

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Ozone Layer

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A region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

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Greenhouse Effect

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

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Cumulus Clouds

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Fluffy, white clouds with a flat base, often associated with fair weather.

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Atmospheric Pressure

Back

The force exerted onto a surface by the weight of the air above that surface in the atmosphere.

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Humidity

Back

The amount of water vapor present in the air, often expressed as a percentage.