Climate and the structure of the Atmosphere

Question 1

What drives weather and climate on Earth’s surface?

Answer 1

The movement of energy and mass through space, driven by imbalances in Earth’s energy budget.

Question 2

Why do the poles receive less solar energy than the equator?

Answer 2

Due to Earth’s curvature, sunlight is spread over a larger area and takes a longer path through the atmosphere at higher latitudes.

Question 3

Net gain of energy.

Answer 3

Equator & tropic

Question 4

Net loss of energy.

Answer 4

Poles

Question 5

How does humidity affect air density?

Answer 5

Humid air is lighter than dry air because H₂O molecules replace heavier N₂ and O₂ molecules.

Question 6

What happens to air pressure as altitude increases?

Answer 6

Air pressure decreases, causing air to expand and cool (adiabatic cooling).

Question 7

The rate at which air cools as it rises due to expansion.

Answer 7

adiabatic lapse rate

Question 8

~10°C/km (unsaturated air).

Answer 8

Dry adiabatic lapse rate

Question 9

Slower due to condensation releasing latent heat.

Answer 9

Moist adiabatic lapse rate

Question 10

Stored energy in water vapor that is released during condensation, fueling storms.

Answer 10

Latent heat

Question 11

What are the three main atmospheric circulation cells?

Answer 11

Hadley Cell, Ferrel Cell , Polar Cell

Question 12

Warm air rises at ITCZ, moves poleward, then sinks at subtropical highs.

Answer 12

Hadley Cell (0°-30°)

Question 13

Moves opposite Hadley and Polar Cells, driven by their motion.

Answer 13

Ferrel Cell (30°-60°)

Question 14

Cold air sinks at the poles, moves toward the equator, then rises at the Polar Front.

Answer 14

Polar Cell (60°-90°)

Question 15

A low-pressure zone near the equator where warm, humid air rises, leading to heavy rainfall and tropical rainforests.

Answer 15

the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

Question 16

Why are deserts located around 30° latitude?

Answer 16

Air sinks in the subtropical high-pressure zones.
This air is dry and compresses, leading to low humidity and arid conditions.

Question 17

What happens at the Polar Front?

Answer 17

Warm, moist air from the Ferrel Cell meets cold, dry air from the Polar Cell, leading to storm formation.

Question 18

The deflection of moving air due to Earth’s rotation.

Answer 18

Coriolis Effect

Question 19

Air deflects right.

Answer 19

Northern Hemisphere

Question 20

Air deflects left.

Answer 20

Southern Hemisphere

Question 21

What are the major wind belts on Earth?

Answer 21

Trade winds, Westerlies, Polar Easterlies

Question 22

Blow from east to west (0°-30°)

Answer 22

Trade Winds

Question 23

Blow from west to east (30°-60°

Answer 23

Westerlies

Question 24

Blow from east to west. (60°-90°)

Answer 24

Polar Easterlies

Question 25

How do extratropical cyclones form?

Answer 25

Warm, moist air from the Ferrel Cell meets cold, dry air from the Polar Cell. Warm air rises over cold air, condenses, and releases latent heat. This fuels storm growth and reinforces low pressure.

Question 26

A fast-moving ribbon of air in the upper atmosphere that follows the Polar Front, guiding storms and influencing weather.

Answer 26

Jet Stream

Question 27

How do hurricanes (tropical cyclones) form?

Answer 27

Warm ocean water evaporates, creating humid air. Rising air condenses, releasing latent heat. The Coriolis Effect causes rotation, forming a spinning storm.

Question 28

What type of climate is found at the ITCZ?

Answer 28

Warm, wet, and rainy (Tropical Rainforests).

Question 29

Why are the Horse Latitudes (30°) dry?

Answer 29

Sinking air compresses and warms, leading to low humidity and deserts.

Question 30

It steers storms and influences seasonal weather patterns

Answer 30

role of the Polar Jet Stream

Question 31

What drives global climate and weather?

Answer 31

Uneven solar heating, atmospheric circulation, and ocean currents.