Final science assesment Flashcards
(26 cards)
What causes wind?
The movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure
Wind is a result of differences in air pressure.
Define: What is an Air Mass?
A large mass of air with uniform temperature and moisture
Air masses can influence weather conditions.
What causes the unequal heating of the earth’s surface?
Earth’s spherical shape and its tilt on its axis
The equator receives more direct sunlight compared to the poles.
List the layers of the Earth’s atmosphere from closest to farthest from the surface.
- Troposphere
- Stratosphere
- Mesosphere
- Thermosphere
- Exosphere
Each layer has unique characteristics affecting weather and climate.
What happens in the Troposphere?
Weather takes place here; air pressure is the highest; contains 99% of the earth’s water vapor
It is the lowest layer of the atmosphere.
What is located in the Stratosphere?
The ozone layer
Jets cruise near the bottom of this layer.
What occurs in the Mesosphere?
Meteors or shooting stars burn up
It is the coldest layer of the atmosphere.
What are the characteristics of the Thermosphere?
Hottest layer of the atmosphere; shimmering curtains of light called aurora happen here
The space shuttle orbits in this layer.
What is unique about the Exosphere?
Air pressure is lowest; many satellites orbit here
It is sometimes considered part of outer space.
What is a Warm Front?
When a warm air mass slowly climbs over a cold air mass
It can lead to gradual weather changes.
What is a Cold Front?
When a cold air mass pushes under a warm air mass
Cold fronts can lead to sudden weather changes.
What is a Stationary Front?
When air masses meet and are not moving
This often leads to prolonged periods of weather.
What is an Occluded Front?
When a cold air mass takes over a warm front
It can lead to complex weather patterns.
What is Evaporation?
Water changing from liquid to gas
It is a key process in the water cycle.
What is Condensation?
Water changing from gas to liquid
It is another key process in the water cycle.
What is Runoff?
Water moving across the Earth’s surface
It is part of the water cycle.
What is Precipitation?
Water falling from the clouds
This includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather is the short term state of the atmosphere; climate is the long term average of weather conditions
Understanding this difference is crucial for studying meteorology.
What are periods of getting colder called?
Glacial periods
These periods are significant in Earth’s climatic history.
What are periods getting warmer between cold periods called?
Interglacial periods
They occur between glacial periods.
What is a lunar eclipse?
When Earth is between the sun and moon
This results in the moon appearing darkened.
What is a solar eclipse?
When the Moon is between the sun and Earth
This results in the sun being obscured.
What are the types of shadows?
Umra, Penumbra, Antumbra
Each type represents different parts of a shadow.
What is Umra?
The darkest part of a shadow
It is where the light is completely blocked.
