Earth’s Atmosphere (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
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The atmosphere is mainly composed of (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%).
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The atmosphere is mainly composed of (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%).
The atmosphere is mainly composed of nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%).
What is the approximate concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) makes up about 0.04% of the atmosphere.
Define troposphere.
The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending up to about 10 km from Earth's surface.
Why is atmospheric CO₂ essential for life?
Atmospheric CO₂ is essential for photosynthesis in plants and for maintaining the greenhouse effect.
True or False?
Argon takes part in many chemical reactions in the atmosphere.
False.
Argon is an inert gas, so it does not participate in chemical reactions.
What role does water vapor play in the atmosphere?
Water vapor plays an important role in Earth's weather patterns and in the formation of clouds and precipitation.
Define diffusion in the atmosphere.
Diffusion is the spreading of gases from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.
Which trace gases are found in the atmosphere?
Trace gases include methane, ozone, and nitrous oxide, which have significant impacts on climate and atmospheric chemistry.
What is the main mover of gases in the atmosphere?
Wind is the main mover of atmospheric gases, caused by differences in air pressure.
True or False?
Weather phenomena such as clouds and precipitation occur mainly in the stratosphere.
False.
Weather occurs in the troposphere, which contains the highest concentration of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other important trace gases.
Define convection in the atmosphere.
Convection is the vertical movement of air as warm air rises and cool air sinks.
Define jet streams.
Jet streams are fast-flowing, narrow air currents in the upper atmosphere.
What causes atmospheric turbulence?
Turbulence is irregular air flow caused by obstacles such as mountains and buildings.
On what basis is the atmosphere divided into layers?
The atmosphere is divided into layers based on temperature gradients.
The ozone layer is found in the , about 10 to 50 km above Earth's surface.
The ozone layer is found in the stratosphere, about 10 to 50 km above Earth's surface.
What does the stratospheric ozone layer do?
The ozone layer absorbs and blocks most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
How do chemical reactions in the troposphere affect Earth?
Reactions involving pollutants, greenhouse gases, and particles in the troposphere affect air quality and climate.
How does temperature change with altitude in the mesosphere?
In the mesosphere, temperature decreases with altitude.
Why does temperature increase with altitude in the thermosphere?
Temperature increases with altitude in the thermosphere because of the absorption of solar radiation.
Define exosphere.
The exosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere, where gas particle density is extremely low and gradually transitions into space.
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