Meteorology
Describe an alto cloud
a cloud that is higher than normal.
What determines whether precipitation will be rain or snow?
If temperature is below freezing, then it will be snow. If above freezing, it will be rain. Due to the contraction of molecules (liquid vs. solid)
There are ____ total atmospheric layers.
5
the layer that contains the ozone layer
the stratosphere
Define a volatile organic compound.
Chemicals that can break down ozone and interrupt the balance of O, O2, and O3 in the atmosphere
Used in substances that are burned or gaseous
List 4 different types of storms.
Monsoons, Hurricanes, Blizzards, & Tornadoes
Describe the difference between surface run-off and infiltration
surface run-off = water moves over the surface towards other bodies of water
infiltration = water absorbs into the soil --> groundwater
4 responsibilities of the atmosphere include...
Providing the air we breathe, weather, protection from outer space, & temperature regulation
What would happen if the greenhouse effect were increased or decreased?
Over insulating can make the planet too hot,
Under-insulating can make the planet too cold
•Changes in wind/weather patterns, sea levels, oxygen levels
Describe why it is colder at the top of the troposphere than at the bottom.
lower density of molecules at a higher altitude, provides less matter to absorb heat
The difference between climate & weather
Climate = average weather conditions over a long period of time
Weather = current state of clouds, wind, & sunshine in an area
Natural water that is absorbed into the soil and builds up above the bedrock
Groundwater
2 factors that distinguish between atmospheric layers...
Temperature patterns, chemical composition, movement & density levels
This provides the energy to form and break down ozone molecules
Ultraviolet radiation
Describe how the addition or subtraction of energy impacts water molecules.
more energy: molecules are more active, spread out, less dense
less energy: molecules are less active, closer together, more dense
Describe the Coriolis effect
Earth's turning of the axis causing deflection of the atmosphere - counterclockwise in the north & clockwise in the south.
Describe the difference between transpiration and evaporation
Transpiration = water vapor from the natural processes of plants
Evaporation = water vapor from water molecules increasing in energy
What makes the troposphere colder at the top and warmer on the bottom?
There is a lower density of air molecules at the top, so there is less matter to absorb the heat
These molecules deplete the ozone layer.
Name them and describe how.
Chlorofluorocarbons and volatile organic compounds interfere iwth the formation and breakdown of ozone molecules
Describe why it is colder at the bottom of the stratosphere than at the top.
It becomes warmer because of the ozone layer - ozone molecules absorb solar radiation, increasing the temperature
List the 3 different types of clouds and the shapes of each of them.
Stratus = Flat
Cumulus = Fluffy
Cirrus = Wispy
Explain how temperature effects the water cycle.
More heat absorbed = more energy each molecule has more active, spread-out molecules; dry soil, rain
Loss of heat = less energy a substance has less active, more compact molecules; moist soil, snow
List the five atmospheric layers from innermost to outermost. Include the different temperature patterns. (increase/decrease as altitude increases)
Troposphere (decreases), Stratosphere (increases), Mesosphere (decreases), Thermosphere (increases), & Exosphere (decreases)
How does the ozone layer protect the Earth from harmful UV radiation?
Reactions in the ozone layer absorb the UV rays, preventing them from reaching the troposphere
Elements that make up a chlorofluorocarbon include:
Carbon, Chlorine, & Fluorine