Atmosphere
The layer of gases surrounding Earth is called what?
The atmosphere
What is wind?
The movement of air across Earth's Surface.
Air moves from areas of high pressure toward areas of low pressure.
What is evaporation?
Liquid water changing into water vapor.
What is a hurricane, and where does it form?
A powerful tropical storm system that forms over warm ocean water.
What does air quality describe?
How clean or polluted the air is.
Which two gases make up most of Earth's atmosphere?
Nitrogen (78%) and Oxygen (21%)
What type of air mass forms over water and is generally moist?
Maritime Air
(Continental is over land)
What is precipitation?
Name 2 sources.
Water falling from clouds, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
What is the difference between a weather watch and a warning?
A watch means conditions are favorable
A warning means dangerous weather is occurring, detected, or expected soon.
What is smog?
Air pollution that can reduce visibility and harm human health if breathed in.
Which atmospheric layer contains most weather?
The Troposphere
What type of weather is commonly associated with a low-pressure system?
Lousy!
Clouds, Storms, Precipitation
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather describes atmospheric conditions over a short time
climate describes weather patterns over many years.
What should you do if a tornado warning is issued?
Seek shelter in a basement or small, windowless interior room on the lowest floor.
What does AQI stand for, and what does it tell us?
Air Quality Index
It tells us air pollution levels and potential health risks
Which layer contains the ozone layer that absorbs harmful UV radiation?
The Stratosphere (holds 90% of the ozone layer)
What is the jet stream, and what does it help do?
(Hint- think weather)
A narrow band of fast-moving air high in the atmosphere that helps steer weather systems.
What type of front forms when cold air advances and pushes warm air upward?
A cold front
What is a flash flood, and why is it dangerous?
A flood that develops rapidly and can be very powerful and deadly.
Name 2 greenhouse gases.
Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, or nitrous oxide, ozone
Name the five atmospheric layers in order from Earth's surface outward.
Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, and Exosphere
Why does moving air in the Northern Hemisphere deflect to the right?
The Coriolis Effect caused by Earth's Rotation
What stage of the water cycle does water vapor cool and change into liquid droplets that form clouds.
Condensation
How can wildfire smoke affect people who live far from the fire?
Smoke can travel long distances and reduce air quality, causing breathing problems.
What is environmental stewardship?
Taking responsibility for protecting the environment
For example, recycling, conserving electricity, or protecting habitats.