Atmospheric Science Quiz

The atmosphere is composed mostly of ______ and oxygen, with traces of other gases such as carbon dioxide and water vapor.

• hydrogen

• helium

• nitrogen

• neon

Which layer of the Earth's atmosphere is crucial for absorbing the Sun's harmful ultraviolet rays due to its ozone content?

• troposphere

• exosphere

• thermosphere

• stratosphere

In the troposphere, both temperature and pressure typically ______ as altitude increases.

• decrease

• increase

• remain constant

• fluctuate randomly

What is the term for the measure of water vapor in the air?

• condensation nuclei

• humidity

• dew point

• temperature

What is the term for an increase in temperature with height in the atmosphere?

• temperature inversion

• orographic lifting

• ozone layer

• tropopause

Condensation nuclei are particles of atmospheric dust around which...

• ozone collects

• evaporation occurs

• cloud droplets form

• winds form

What happens to moist winds during orographic lifting?

• They lose moisture

• They descend into valleys

• They rise over mountains

• They cool the ocean

Cloud droplets collide to form larger droplets in a process called

• convection

• coalescence

• composition

• condensation

What is the process by which water circulates between the Earth's oceans, atmosphere, and land?

• hydrological cycle

• evaporation cycle

• condensation cycle

• precipitation cycle

Which of the following statements about cumulus and cirrus clouds is true?

• Cumulus clouds are found higher in the atmosphere than cirrus clouds

• Cirrus clouds are puffy and white

• Cumulus clouds and cirrus clouds form at different heights in the atmosphere

• Both cumulus and cirrus clouds are made up of ice crystals