Science Flashcard 5.1

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, allowing sunlight to enter but preventing some of the heat from escaping back into space.

Front

What is humidity?

Back

Humidity is the amount of moisture present in the air.

Front

Which layer of the atmosphere is closest to Earth?

Back

The troposphere is the layer of the atmosphere closest to Earth, where almost all weather occurs.

Front

What does a rapid decrease in atmospheric pressure indicate?

Back

A rapid decrease in atmospheric pressure often indicates that a storm is likely approaching.

Front

What is the primary function of the stratosphere?

Back

The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation.

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a specific time, while climate refers to the long-term average of weather patterns in a region.

Front

What are the main components of weather?

Back

The main components of weather include temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Front

What is the role of the thermosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the ozone layer?

Back

The ozone layer protects life on Earth by absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.