Interactions of Earth's Spheres

Front

What is the exosphere?

Back

The exosphere is the outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere where atoms and molecules escape into space.

Front

What type of heat transfer occurs with the upward movement of warm air and the downward movement of cool air in the troposphere?

Back

Convection is the type of heat transfer that describes the upward movement of warm air and the downward movement of cool air.

Front

What is radiation in the context of heat energy transfer?

Back

Radiation is the method of heat energy transfer that allows energy to be lost into space as a result of the sun warming the Earth.

Front

Which layer of the atmosphere is the hottest and where the International Space Station orbits?

Back

The thermosphere is the hottest layer of the atmosphere and where the International Space Station orbits.

Front

Why do astronauts need more protection from UV radiation than people on Earth?

Back

Astronauts need more protection because most UV radiation is absorbed by ozone in the upper atmosphere, while they are exposed directly to sunlight in space.

Front

What is the troposphere?

Back

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere where weather occurs and where most of the atmosphere's mass is found.

Front

What is conduction?

Back

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

Front

What is convection?

Back

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

Front

What is the stratosphere?

Back

The stratosphere is the layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere, characterized by a temperature increase with altitude and the presence of the ozone layer.

Front

What is the mesosphere?

Back

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