Earth's Atmosphere
Movement of Air
Weather
Weather Patterns
Grab Bag
100
What gasw makes up about 80% of Earth's atmosphere?
Nitrogen
100
Which area of the Earth receives the most sunlight?
The equator
100
Air moves from (high/low) pressure to (high/low) pressure.
high ... low
100
If an air mass forms over water in a polar region, what will its temperature and moisture content be?
cold and moist
100
What is a narrow belt of strong wind called?
A jet stream
200
What gas makes up about 20% of Earth's atmosphere?
Oxygen
200
What currents distribute heat and moisture (water) to different parts of the Earth within the atmosphere?
Convection currents
200
When air is heated, does it expand or contract?
it expands
200
What instrument measures air pressure?
a barometer
200
What is the chemical formula for ozone?
O3
300
What are the 5 main layers of the atmosphere in order from lowest to highest?
Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
300
What are the areas near the equator where air rises called?
Doldrums
300
What is relative humidity?
The humidity as a percentage of the maximum humidity.
300
What type of front is when a cold air mass moves toward a cool air mass with a warm air mass between them?
An occluded front
300
What direction do Trade winds move in the northern hemisphere?
Southwest
400
Which layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer?
the stratosphere
400
Why does air appear to move east or west as it moves north or south on the Earth, and what is this called?
It's called the coriolis effect. It's caused by inertia and the fact that Earth spins fastest at the equator.
400
What type of cloud is low and forms smooth layers?
Stratus
400
What is a typhoon?
A large, swirling low-pressure system in the Pacific Ocean
400
What type of weather is often associated with cold fronts?
Thunderstorms
500
What chemical destroys ozone?
Chlorofluorocarbons
500
What direction do Polar easterlies move in the southern hemisphere?
Northwest
500
What is dew point?
The temperature at which air is saturated with water
500
What causes lightning?
Air movement makes different areas in a cloud become charged. Lightning is electrical current flowing between differently charged areas.
500
How does temperature change as one goes up within the mesosphere?
It decreases
M
e
n
u