Earth's Atmosphere 1.1

Question 1

Atmospheric Science

Answer 1

general term for the study of the structure and dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere

Question 2

What are the 3 components of atmospheric science?

Answer 2

Meteorology, Climatology, and Aerology

Question 3

Meteorology

Answer 3

The study and forecasting of weather

Question 4

Climatology

Answer 4

The study of climate and climate change

Question 5

Aerology

Answer 5

The study of the upper atmosphere’s properties

Question 6

The term, “meteor” dates back to the ____s and refered to anything that ____ ____ ___ ___

Answer 6

“meteor” dates back to the 1600s and refered to anything that fell from the sky

Question 7

Weather

Answer 7

The state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place

Question 8

Components of weather (6)

Answer 8

Temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, cloud cover, visibility

Question 9

Climate

Answer 9

The average state of the atmosphere over a long period of time

Question 10

Climate averages are measured over a __ year period

Answer 10

Climate averages are measured over a 30 year period

Question 11

The atmosphere is bound by _______

Answer 11

The atmosphere is bound by gravity

Question 12

The atmosphere is a mix of what 2 things surrounding Earth?

Answer 12

The atmosphere is a mix of gasses and suspended particles surrounding Earth

Question 13

The max air pressure is at the Earth’s _______

Answer 13

The max air pressure is at the Earth’s surface

Question 14

The lowest __km of atmosphere contains __% of its mass

Answer 14

The lowers 10km of atmosphere contains 90% of its mass

Question 15

_______ results in most of mass being found relatively close to the Earth’s surface

Answer 15

Gravity results in most of mass being found relatively close to the Earth’s surface

Question 16

The “first atmosphere” is made up of what 2 elements?

Answer 16

The “first atmosphere” is made up of (H)ydrogen and (He)lium

Question 17

Approximately ___ billion years ago the Earth’s crust cooled enough to form a crust that contained _________

Answer 17

Approximately 4.4 billion years ago the Earth’s crust cooled enough to form a crust that contained volcanoes

Question 18

What is the term for when volcanoes release gasses? (that lead to the formation of the “second atmosphere”)

Answer 18

“Outgassing” was when volcanoes released gasses that lead to the formation of the “second atmosphere”

Question 19

What are the common atmospheric gasses found during the formation of the “second atmosphere”? (3)

Answer 19

Carbon dioxide (CO₂), (N)itrogen, water vapour (H₂O)

Question 20

Sun rays split water vapour molecules into what two elements?

Answer 20

Sun rays split water vapour molecules into (H)ydrogen and (O)xygen

Question 21

What are the three benefits of the atmosphere?

Answer 21

Protection from UV rays, transportation of heat from tropics to the poles, moderation of temperature

Question 22

Composition of atmosphere:

Answer 22

78% (N)itrogen, 21% (O)xygen, 1% trace gasses

Question 23

What are trace gasses made up of? (4)

Answer 23

Carbon dioxide (CO₂), Water vapour (H₂O), Methane (CH₄), Ozone (O₃)

Question 24

What is (N)itrogen added and removed to the atmosphere by?

Answer 24

Added to the atmosphere by decaying plant matter and removed by soil bacteria

Question 25

How is (O)xygen produced?

Answer 25

(O)xygen is produced by plants via photosynthesis

Question 26

(CO₂) is mostly responsible for _______ ______

Answer 26

(CO₂) is mostly responsible for climate change

Question 27

How is (CO₂) removed from the atmosphere?

Answer 27

(CO₂) is removed from the atmosphere via photosynthesis

Question 28

How does (CO₂) enter the atmosphere?

Answer 28

(CO₂) enter the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels

Question 29

Global (CO₂) levels have been steadily ______ over the past 100 years

Answer 29

Global (CO₂) levels have been steadily rising over the past 100 years

Question 30

(H₂O) is variable in _____________

Answer 30

(H₂O) is variable in concentration

Question 31

Highest concentrations of (H₂O) is found in _____ locations

Answer 31

Highest concentrations of (H₂O) is found in humid locations

Question 32

(H₂O) forms clouds via ____________ and may form _____________

Answer 32

(H₂O) forms clouds via condensation and may form precipitation

Question 33

(O₃) is mostly found in which atmospheric layer?

Answer 33

(O₃) is mostly found in the stratosphere

Question 34

What does (O₃) protect the Earth's surface from?

Answer 34

(O₃) protect the Earth's surface from the Sun's UV rays