Earth's Atmosphere and Environmental Issues Flashcard

Front

What are the layers of Earth's atmosphere?

Back

The layers of Earth's atmosphere include the Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, and Exosphere.

Front

What is the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere?

Back

Nitrogen, making up about 78% of the atmosphere.

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases) caused by differences in temperature and density.

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves, such as sunlight.

Front

How does a sea breeze form during the day?

Back

Radiation heats the land more quickly than the sea, causing warm air to rise and allowing cooler air from the sea to flow in.

Front

What happens when a hot metal rod touches a cooler surface?

Back

Heat energy transfers from the hot rod to the cooler surface, causing the rod's temperature to decrease.

Front

What is the role of evaporation in temperature regulation?

Back

Evaporation cools the surface by absorbing heat from the environment as water changes from liquid to gas.

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to long-term average weather patterns in a region.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

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