Atmosphere
What is the main gas found in the Earth's atmosphere?
Nitrogen
What is the greenhouse effect?
Is the process by which certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere?
What is the average temperature of the Earth?
approximately 59°F (15°C)
What is the primary component of the Earth's atmosphere?
Nitrogen
What type of data do scientists collect to study the atmosphere?
temperature records, gas concentrations, and weather patterns
Name two layers of the atmosphere.
Troposphere and Stratosphere
Name one greenhouse gas.
Carbon dioxide
How have global temperatures changed over the past century?
Global temperatures have increased due to climate change.
How does the composition of the atmosphere change with altitude?
The concentration of gases like oxygen decreases with altitude.
How can graphs help us understand climate change?
They visually represent trends and changes in temperature and gas concentrations over time.
How does altitude affect air pressure?
How do greenhouse gases affect Earth's temperature?
They trap heat, leading to an increase in global temperatures.
What is one effect of rising global temperatures on ecosystems?
Habitats may become unsuitable for certain species, leading to biodiversity loss.
Name a pollutant that can affect the atmosphere's composition.
Sulfur dioxide
They visually represent trends and changes in temperature and gas concentrations over time.
Instrument calibration errors or location bias.
What role does the atmosphere play in weather changes?
The atmosphere contains gases that trap heat and moisture, influencing weather patterns.
Explain how the greenhouse effect can be both natural and enhanced by human activities.
The natural greenhouse effect keeps Earth warm, but human activities increase greenhouse gas concentrations, enhancing the effect.
How can scientists measure changes in global temperatures over time?
How do aerosols affect climate?
They can cool the atmosphere by reflecting sunlight or warm it by absorbing heat.
Why is it important to analyze historical climate data?
It helps us understand past trends and predict future climate scenarios.
Describe how human activities can alter the composition of the atmosphere.
Human activities like burning fossil fuels increase greenhouse gases, altering atmospheric composition.
What are some consequences of an enhanced greenhouse effect?
What are rising sea levels and increased extreme weather events?
What is the relationship between global temperatures and sea level rise?
Rising temperatures cause polar ice to melt, contributing to sea level rise.
What is the importance of the ozone layer in the atmosphere?
It protects living organisms from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
How can technology improve data analysis in atmospheric studies?
Technology like satellites provides accurate, real-time data for better analysis.