Temperature increases as altitude increases in both the stratosphere and the thermosphere. What is the main difference between these two layers?

• The temperature increases in the stratosphere because of aurora borealis, and in the thermosphere because of the jet stream

• The temperature increases in the stratosphere because of the jet stream, and in the thermosphere because of aurora borealis.

• The temperature increases in the stratosphere because of direct exposure to the sun, and in the thermosphere because ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation.

• The temperature increases in the stratosphere because ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation, and in the thermosphere because of direct exposure to the sun

Auroras occur where Earth’s magnetosphere traps high-energy particles in which region of the atmosphere?

• troposphere

• stratosphere

• thermosphere

• exosphere

The presence of greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere is important to Earth’s ability to support human life.

How would Earth be different without greenhouse gases in its atmosphere?

• More heat from solar radiation would escape into space

• More solar radiation would be reflected back into space

• More solar radiation would penetrate Earth’s crust and mantle

• More heat from solar radiation would be stored in Earth’s core

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

Which gas accounts for the largest percentage of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

• carbon monoxide

• carbon dioxide

• nitrous oxide

• water vapor

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

Which is most often a result of a warm air mass moving over a cooler air mass?

• a decrease in wind speed

• a decrease in cloud cover

• an increase in precipitation

• an increase in air pressure

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

The average yearly rainfall for Miami, Florida is about 58 inches. During the year, Miami goes through a dry period where it receives very little rainfall. Which factor is MOST likely responsible for the dry period?

• cold air moving in from the north

• distance from the Gulf Stream current

• location of latitude north of the equator

• warm air moving in from the Atlantic Ocean

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Temperature inversions are common in the Los Angeles area. Which statement describes a characteristic of a temperature inversion that can lead to extended periods of poor air quality?

• Inversions reverse the direction of sea and land breezes

• Inversions reverse the normal composition of atmospheric gases

• Inversions prevent the normal convection of air masses.

• Inversions prevent the reaction of carbon dioxide with water vapor.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

When a cold front moves over a land region that has warm, moist air, a transfer of energy occurs. Cold air sinks and pushes warmer air upward. As energy is removed from the air, which change will MOST likely take place?

• Ozone in the atmosphere will decrease

• Less ultraviolet radiation will reach the land

• More water will be absorbed from the area lakes

• Water in the atmosphere will undergo a phase change

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

High-pressure systems stop air from rising into the colder regions of the atmosphere where water can condense. What will MOST likely result if a high-pressure system remains in an area for a long period of time?

• fog

• rain

• drought

• tornado

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Convection currents are formed in the atmosphere when cold air pushes warm air upward.

Which property of the air is MOST responsible for the formation of convection currents?

• chemical composition

• thermal conductivity

• density differences

• specific heat

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3