Word problems
As a group of hikers climbs a mountain in northern Georgia, they notice changes in their surroundings. The air feels colder, they begin to breathe more heavily, and the clouds seem to get closer. Their guide explains that conditions can shift quickly as you go higher in elevation, even on a sunny day. What causes it to become harder to breathe and colder at higher elevations?
What is there is less air pressure at higher altitudes.
Engineers design a satellite to monitor storms forming over the Atlantic Ocean. To avoid drag from air particles and allow for a long orbit, the satellite must be placed in a high layer of the atmosphere where few particles exist and the temperature is extremely high due to solar energy. In which layer of the atmosphere will this satellite most likely orbit?
What is Thermosphere
Earth’s atmosphere is made of gases arranged in layers. These gases and structures protect life on Earth in multiple ways. Which explanation best describes how the atmosphere both protects life and insulates the planet?
What is It blocks harmful solar radiation while trapping heat to maintain stable temperatures.
Late at night, a group of students sees a meteor streak across the sky and burn up before hitting the ground. They learn that Earth’s atmosphere has a specific layer that slows and destroys most space rocks before they can impact the surface. Which layer of the atmosphere is responsible for burning up meteors?
What is Mesosphere
A hurricane gains strength as it moves across warm ocean water. Which statement best explains the role of the water cycle in fueling the storm?
What is Warm water evaporates, adding energy and moisture to the atmosphere
A thunderstorm moves quickly through a neighborhood in Gainesville, bringing strong winds, lightning, heavy rain, and clouds. All of this weather activity happens within a specific part of the atmosphere closest to the ground. In which layer of the atmosphere did the storm take place?
What is Troposphere
During an El Niño event, warmer Pacific Ocean waters lead to more evaporation and rainfall in certain regions. How does this demonstrate the link between the ocean and atmosphere?
What is Warm water increases evaporation, increasing rainfall.
Some animals are more active during the day, but too much direct sunlight can harm their skin and eyes. These harmful rays come from the Sun and are known to cause damage if they aren’t filtered before reaching Earth’s surface. Which layer of the atmosphere helps protect animals and humans from these rays?
What is Stratosphere
A volcano erupts, releasing ash and gases. Nearby communities experience poor air quality, and rivers carry ash into lakes, affecting aquatic life. Which spheres are interacting, and what is one effect of this interaction?
What is Atmosphere and hydrosphere; water quality decreases due to ash contamination
After several days of heavy rainfall, rivers in Florida overflow their banks. The floodwaters wash away soil, damage homes, and force animals to move to higher ground. Which spheres of Earth are interacting in this situation?
What is Hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere