The Atmosphere Flashcards
Nitrogen is what percent of the atmospheres composition?
78%
Oxygen is composed of what percent of the earths atmosphere?
21%
Troposphere
Weather occurred in this zone, closest to earth
Stratosphere
Temperature increases with altitude due to absorption of heat. Contains the ozone layer.
Mesosphere
Coldest layer. Meteors burn up in this layer
Fronts of air masses
When two different air masses meet, the boundary between them forms a front
Greenhouse effect
Most important gases are water, carbon dioxide and methane. Without this effect the earth would be too cold to live in. But if taken too far the earth can be turned into a hothouse
Leeward side of a mountain
Side of mountain facing opposite the ocean, receives little rain
What human activities effect the climate?
Deforestation, urbanization, release of pollutants including greenhouse gases and burning of fossil fuels.
Horizontal winds
Move from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure
Coriolis effect
Earths rotation on its axis causes winds not to travel straight
Monsoons
Strong and violent winds that change direction with the season. Blow from cold to warm regions
El Niño
When air pressure patterns in the South Pacific reverse direction
