Definition and Components

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Weather Noun

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[weth-er]

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Weather

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The short-term state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind.

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Climate Noun

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[kly-mit]

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Climate

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The long-term average pattern of weather conditions in a particular region over many years, decades, or longer.

Front

Atmosphere Noun

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[at-muh-sfeer]

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Atmosphere

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The envelope of gases surrounding the Earth, held in place by the planet's gravity, primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen.

Front

Greenhouse Gases Noun

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[green-hous gas-iz]

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Greenhouse Gases

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Atmospheric gases, like carbon dioxide and methane, that trap heat by absorbing infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

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Water Vapor Noun

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[waw-ter vey-per]

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Water Vapor

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Water in its gaseous form, which is an invisible but significant component of the atmosphere and a variable gas.

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Ozone Noun

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[oh-zohn]

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Ozone

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A gas molecule of three oxygen atoms that forms a protective layer in the stratosphere, absorbing most ultraviolet radiation.

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Troposphere Noun

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[troh-puh-sfeer]

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Troposphere

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The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface to about 12 kilometers, where all weather phenomena occur.

Front

Stratosphere Noun

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[strat-uh-sfeer]

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Stratosphere

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The layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere, characterized by stable temperatures and the presence of the ozone layer.

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Mesosphere Noun

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[mes-oh-sfeer]

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Mesosphere

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The atmospheric layer above the stratosphere, extending to about 85 kilometers, where most meteors burn up upon entering.

Front

Thermosphere Noun

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[thur-moh-sfeer]

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Thermosphere

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The layer above the mesosphere where temperatures increase with altitude and atmospheric phenomena like the aurora borealis occur.