Properties
The top two most abundant gases in the air.
nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%)
The second layer that contains the ozone layer that absorbs much of the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
stratosphere
What causes wind
the uneven heating of Earth's Surface
When a cold air mass overtakes a warm air mass. Shown by a blue line with blue triangles pointing in the direction the cold air is moving.
cold front
When rising warm air lifts air off the ground and begins to condense higher up in the atmosphere. This often begins cloudy weather with precipitation near a front. These rotate counterclockwise.
low pressure
How air pressure changes going up in the atmosphere.
When altitude increases, air pressure decreases
The lowest layer, so it is the most dense air and has the highest air pressure. This is where all weather and most clouds occur.
troposphere
Sky highways for airplanes
Jet streams
When a warm air mass overtakes a cold air mass. Show on a weather map by a red line with red half-circles showing the direction of movement of the warm air.
warm front
When cooler air sinks, pressing on the ground and sweeping away cloudy, rainy weather. It is usually a precursor to nice, sunny days ahead. These rotate clockwise.
high pressure system
How air density changes going up in the atmosphere.
When altitude increases, air density decreases
The 3rd layer up, where most meteoroids burn up by friction with the air, and become meteors (also called shooting stars).
mesosphere
Winds that are curved because of Earth's Rotation.
Coriolis Effect
Cold and warm air masses meet, but neither can move the other, creating a "standoff." Shown by alternating red half-circles and blue triangles on a weather map. Can stall out and bring much rain over a few days where it happens.
stationary front
The effect that makes ocean currents and winds turn as they move across the Earth's surface and that is due to the Earth's rotation. These turn clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
Coriolis Effect
Uneven heating of Earth's surface
wind
The hottest layer of the atmosphere.
Thermosphere
Winds that occur during the day
Sea Breeze
When a cold front overtakes a warm front, trapping warm air in between two cold air masses. Often happens in snow storms in the Northern U.S. Shown in purple on weather maps, with alternating purple triangles and half-circles on the same side of the purple line.
occluded front
What is stewardship?
The practice of taking actions to care for a specific area to help the environment
Near a large body of water, 1) the wind pattern during the day and 2) the wind pattern at night.
1) a sea breeze and 2) a land breeze
The highest layer of the atmosphere that is the boundary with outer space. satellites orbit here.
exosphere
Winds that occur during the night
Land breeze
3 things that have to be alike to be considered an air mass
Air pressure, Humidity, and Temperature
4 reasons for air pollution.
smoke, CFCs , trash, Cars,