Bell Ringer #9 - What Does the Atmosphere Do?

What two gases constitute approximately 99% of Earth's atmosphere by volume near the surface?

• Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide

• Nitrogen and Oxygen

• Argon and Methane

• Hydrogen and Helium

Which sequence correctly lists the layers of Earth's atmosphere, starting from the layer closest to the surface?

• Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere

• Stratosphere, Troposphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere

• Mesosphere, Stratosphere, Troposphere, Thermosphere

• Thermosphere, Mesosphere, Stratosphere, Troposphere

What is the primary role of the ozone layer within the stratosphere?

• To regulate global weather patterns.

• To absorb harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

• To facilitate the formation of clouds.

• To increase the density of air molecules.

How does Earth's atmospheric energy budget maintain a relatively stable global temperature?

• By absorbing all incoming solar radiation.

• By reflecting all terrestrial radiation back into space.

• By balancing incoming shortwave solar energy with outgoing longwave terrestrial energy.

• By constantly increasing the amount of heat-trapping gases.

Which atmospheric components are primarily responsible for absorbing shortwave energy from the sun?

• Nitrogen and Oxygen

• Ozone and Water Vapor

• Dust and Smoke

• Volcanic Emissions

What is the primary effect of dust, smoke, and volcanic emissions on incoming solar radiation?

• They absorb all incoming radiation.

• They reflect all incoming radiation back to space.

• They scatter radiation, changing its direction without altering its wavelength.

• They convert shortwave energy into longwave energy.

What characteristic of a surface determines how much solar energy it reflects?

• Its temperature

• Its albedo

• Its moisture content

• Its chemical composition

How does heat energy primarily move away from Earth's surface?

• By conduction

• Through radiation

• By convection currents

• By reflection

Which of the following is NOT considered a greenhouse gas that absorbs longwave terrestrial radiation?

• Carbon Dioxide

• Methane

• Nitrogen

• Water Vapor

What is one of the fundamenal driving forces behind general circulation of the atmosphere around the globe?

• Energy transfer from the equator to the poles

• Energy transfer from pole to pole

• Energy transfer from the poles to the equator

• Energy transfer from the sun to the equator