Unit 9 Vocabulary: Weather and Climate

Front

Air pressure

Back

The force exerted by the weight of air above a given point. Air pressure decreases with altitude and affects weather patterns and conditions.

Front

Altitude

Back

The height of an object or point above sea level. Higher altitudes usually have lower air pressure and can affect temperature and weather.

Front

Energy

Back

The ability to do work or cause change. Energy comes in various forms, including thermal (heat), kinetic (motion), and potential (stored).

Front

Greenhouse effect

Back

The process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun, keeping the planet warm enough to support life. This effect is essential for maintaining a stable climate.

Front

Greenhouse gas

Back

Gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, that trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect. Increased levels of greenhouse gases can lead to climate change.

Front

Exosphere

Back

The outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere, where the air is extremely thin and gradually fades into space. This layer contains very few particles and is where satellites orbit.

Front

Mesosphere

Back

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

Front

Ozone

Back

A gas made up of three oxygen molecules (O₃) that forms a layer in the stratosphere. This ozone layer protects living organisms on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Front

Stratosphere

Back

The layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere, where the ozone layer is located. The temperature in this layer increases with altitude due to the absorption of UV radiation by ozone.

Front

Thermosphere

Back

The layer of the atmosphere above the mesosphere, characterized by very high temperatures. This layer contains the ionosphere, where auroras occur and where the air is extremely thin.