The Atmosphere

Question 1

Electromagnetic Energy

Answer 1

Energy that travels in waves, including visible light, UV, infrared, and others; key for heat transfer from the Sun

Question 2

Wavelengths

Answer 2

The distance between two successive wave crests; shorter wavelengths (like UV) carry more energy than longer ones (like infrared)

Question 3

Albedo

Answer 3

The percentage of incoming solar radiation reflected by a surface. High albedo = more reflection (e.g., ice, snow)

Question 4

Conduction

Answer 4

The transfer of heat through direct contact between molecules, significant near Earth’s surface

Question 5

Convection

Answer 5

The vertical transfer of heat through the movement of a fluid (air or water), driving atmospheric circulation

Question 6

Radiation

Answer 6

The transfer of energy via electromagnetic waves; how the Sun’s energy reaches Earth

Question 7

Latent Heat

Answer 7

Energy absorbed or released during a phase change (e.g., evaporation absorbs heat, condensation releases heat) without changing temperature

Question 8

Phase Change

Answer 8

The transition between solid, liquid, and gas states, involving absorption or release of latent heat

Question 9

Latitude

Answer 9

Determines the angle and intensity of solar radiation; lower latitudes (near the equator) are warmer

Question 10

Distribution of Land and Water

Answer 10

Land heats and cools faster than water, leading to more extreme temperatures inland and moderate temperatures near coasts

Question 11

Specific Heat

Answer 11

The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of a substance; water has a high specific heat compared to land

Question 12

Elevation

Answer 12

Higher elevations are cooler due to decreasing air pressure and temperature with heigh

Question 13

Humidity

Answer 13

The amoount of water vapor in the air

Question 14

Relative Humidity

Answer 14

The percentage of the maximum water vapor the air can hold at a given temperature

Question 15

Dew Point

Answer 15

The temperature at which air becomes saturated and condensation begins (forming dew, fog, or clouds)

Question 16

Air Pressure

Answer 16

The force exerted by the weight of the atmosphere; measured with barometers, decreases with height

Question 17

High Pressure (Anticyclone)

Answer 17

A system where air sinks, diverges at the surface, and creates clear, stable weather

Question 18

Low Pressure (Cyclone)

Answer 18

A system where air rises, converges at the surface, leading to clouds and precipitation

Question 19

Difference Between Cyclone and Anticyclone

Answer 19

Cyclones: low pressure, air rises, cloudy/stormy; Anticyclone: high pressure, air sinks, clear skies

Question 20

Pressure Gradient Force

Answer 20

The force that causes air to move from high to low pressure; stronger gradients = faster winds

Question 21

Wind

Answer 21

The horizontal movement of air from high to low pressure areas; named for the direction it comes from

Question 22

Stable Air

Answer 22

Air that resists vertical movement; often associated with clear skies

Question 23

Unstable Air

Answer 23

Air that rises freely; often leads to cloud formation and storms

Question 24

Orographic Uplift

Answer 24

When air is forced to rise over a mountain or high terrain, cooling and often leading to precipitation

Question 25

Convergence

Answer 25

When air flows together at the surface and rises, often leading to cloud formation and precipitation

Question 26

Coriolis Effect

Answer 26

The deflection of moving air (and water) due to Earth's rotation: to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, to the left in the Southern Hemisphere

Question 27

Air Mass

Answer 27

A large body of air with uniform temperature and humidity characteristics

Question 28

Source Region

Answer 28

The geographic area where an air mass acquires its temperature and moisture characteristics (e.g., over oceans, deserts)

Question 29

Types of Air Masses

Answer 29

cP (continental polar): cold, dry; mP (maritime polar): cool, moist; cT (continental tropical): hot, dry; mT (maritime tropical): warm, moist; A (Arctic): very cold, dry

Question 30

Weather Fronts

Answer 30

Boundaries between different air masses where weather changes occur

Question 31

Cold Front

Answer 31

Boundary where cold air advances and forces warm air upward, leading to thunderstorms and cooler temperatures

Question 32

Warm Front

Answer 32

Boundary where warm air advances over cold air, producing steady rain or snow and gradual warming

Question 33

Stationary Front

Answer 33

A front that isn't moving significantly; often causes prolonged periods of clouds and precipitation

Question 34

Norwegian (Cyclone) Model

Answer 34

A model describing mid-latitude cyclones: begins with a stationary front; cyclongenesis (storm development) occurs; cold and warm fronts form; storm matures and occludes (cold front catches warm front); system eventually dissipates

Question 35

Rain

Answer 35

Liquid water droplets that fall from clouds when temperatures are above freezing

Question 36

Snow

Answer 36

Frozen water crystals falling when temperatures are below freezing

Question 37

Sleet

Answer 37

Frozen raindrops; rain falls through a layer of freezing air near the ground

Question 38

Freezing Rain (Glaze)

Answer 38

Rain that freezes upon contact with cold surfaces, forming a coating ice

Question 39

Hail

Answer 39

Balls or lumps of ice formed in strong thunderstorms with intense updrafts