Test 2 Review Flashcards
What are the four layers of the atmosphere. Give general details to describe each layer.
Troposphere: temp decreases with altitude, majority of atmospheric mass, weather
Stratosphere: temp increases with altitude, interaction of ozone with uv radiation
Mesosphere: temperature decreases with altitude, meteorites, little interaction with incoming solar radiation
Thermosphere: northern lights, temperature increases with altitude, absorbs sun’s radiation
What is convection and its connection to air circulation?
The process where heat is transferred through the movement of a fluid, like air or water.
In the context of air circulation: As the Sun heats the Earth’s surface, the air near the surface warms up. Warm air is lighter and tends to rise, creating a low-pressure area. As this air rises, cooler air rushes in to replace it, creating a cycle of circulation.
What are 3 convection cells in the atmosphere & the approximate latitudes of the cells?
Hadley, Ferrel and Polar circulation cells.
Hadley: between 30° and 0° N & S
Ferrel: about 60° to 30° N & S
Polar: 90-60° N & S
What are locations, names & wind patterns for the 3 major wind belts?
The trade winds: 30° N & S, blows east to west
Prevailing westerlies: 30° to 0° N & S, blows from the west to the east
Polar easterlies: 90° to 60° N & S, blows east to west
Describe the Coriolis effect
A force that affects a moving object over a rotating body.
It’s the reason why an airplane doesn’t travel in a straight line, the flight path is curved as an effect of a moving object moving over the rotating Earth
What is upwelling?
A process in which deep, cold water rises toward the surface
Describe ecological and economic impacts associated with El Nino events
Ecological: causes the Pacific jet stream to move South and spread further East. Leads to wetter conditions in the South & warmer conditions in the North. Also has a strong effect on marine life
Economic: causes droughts, crop failures, impacts fisheries, and food shortages
What 3 particles determine soil texture?
Sand, silt and clay
Describe differences between porosity & permeability
Porosity is the amount of space that can be filled with water & permeability is how easily water will flow throw that material
How does soil pH affect nutrients present in the soil?
In acidic soil, certain nutrients become more dissolvable, while in alkaline soil, some nutrients may become less available. Extreme pH levels can lead to nutrient deficiencies
What is cation-exchange capacity? Why would it be important for a farmer to consider their soil’s CEC? What soil particle is most responsible for the CEC value?
Its the amount of exchangeable cations a soil can hold. It would be important to consider because it’s a useful indicator of fertility. Clay particles are responsible
What is the usable form of Nitrogen for plants? Why is it important for plants health?
Nitrate / Nitrite & Ammonia. Primary elements needed for reproduction.
What’s the usable form of Phosphorus for plants? Why is it important for a plants health?
Phosphates. Main element in energy production & needed for replication
What’s the usable form of Potassium for plants? Why is it important for a plants health?
Potassium ions. Helps synthesize sugars & helps plants take in more water. If there’s excess of it in the soil, the plant can take in other soil nutrients
What is a soil profile? What are the typical soil horizons & characteristics associated with each?
The layers of soil on Earth. O, A, B, C, & R Horizons. E horizon happens when leaching is present.
Describe the process of primary succession
Happens when a patch of land is created or exposed for the first time. Occurs in an area with no life & no soil
How does secondary succession differ from primary?
Primary succession occurs in places where there was no life, while secondary succession occurs in places where life existed
What type of organisms transform bare rock to soil?
Lichens, algae & mosses
Where do the mineral & organic components of the new soil come from?
Chemical alteration in rocks & when lichen & algae die, they decompose and become organic material
What does the term climax community mean?
It’s the last stage in succession where an ecosystem reaches a stable state
What evidence supports the Theory of Plate Tectonics?
Locations of earthquakes & volcanoes, magnetic striping, position of Ocean trenches
Describe what occurs at a divergent plate boundary
When two tectonic plates move away from each other. Earthquakes are common and magma rises from Earth’s mantle to the surface, creating new oceanic crust
Describe what occurs at a convergent plate boundary
When two tectonic plates move toward each other. Subduction & collision
What happens at a transform plate boundary?
When two tectonic plates slide past each other. Causes earthquakes & does not create or destroy crust
