Earth's Atmosphere
What term describes the average atmospheric conditions of a region measured over decades?
Climate
Why does the North Pole receive zero solar radiation during winter months?
Earth's axis tilting away from the sun
What happens to the air when relative humidity reaches 100%?
The air is saturated, and condensation begins
What is an air mass?
A large body of air with uniform temperature and humidity
True or False: Nitrogen makes up 78% of Earth's atmosphere.
True
Which gas comprises the largest portion of Earth's atmosphere by volume?
Nitrogen
What trend is observed in daylight hours between the equator and the poles?
The equator has consistent daylight hours, while the poles experience extreme variations
What factor most directly increases the rate of evaporation?
Wind speed, heat, surface area
What type of weather is associated with high-pressure systems?
Clear and calm
What is the primary cause of wind?
Differences in atmospheric pressure
Which atmospheric layer contains the ozone layer?
Stratosphere
How does the tilt of Earth's axis affect seasonal changes?
It changes the angle of sunlight, altering the amount of energy received
How does high relative humidity affect the water cycle?
It slows evaporation but increases condensation rates
What type of front occurs when a cold air mass pushes under a warm air mass?
Cold Front
Why do meteors burn up in the mesosphere?
The air is dense enough to create friction
The majority of clouds and precipitation are found in which atmospheric layer? Why?
Troposphere
Which method of heat transfer describes how warm air at the equator is redistributed to the poles?
Convection
What determines the type of precipitation that reaches the ground?
The temperature profile in the atmosphere
Which weather condition is most likely at a cold front?
Sudden Thunderstorms
If Earth's solar input decreases by 5%, how might this impact global climate patterns?
Temperatures decrease globally, causing Earth to be colder
Why does temperature rise with altitude in the stratosphere?
The ozone absorbs UV radiation
Why does Ecuador receive the highest overall solar radiation throughout the year?
Its latitude ensuring minimal sun angle variation
Describe how freezing rain forms.
Raindrops freezing upon contact with a cold surface
Which describes the direction of air movement in low-pressure systems?
Northern Hemisphere: counterclockwise, Southern Hemisphere: clockwise
Which of the following demonstrates heat transfer through conduction?
A pot heating up on a stove due to direct contact with the burner