Atmosphere & Air Quality
Most UV rays (Ultraviolet) are deflected or absorbed by the atmosphere, but some of these rays pass easily through the atmosphere and penetrate Earth's surface.
What substance in the atmosphere is responsible for absorbing UV rays in the stratosphere?
Ozone
An air mass that forms over Land is known as ___________ and air masses that form over Water is known as _________________
Continental (Dry) | Maritime (Humid/Wet)
What are the characteristics of the air mass in the image?
Warm and Humid
What is the difference between Weather and Climate?
Weather is short term and Climate is long term
The presence of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere is important to Earth's ability to support human life. How would Earth be different without greenhouse gases in its atmosphere?
Earth's temperatures would be cooler. Greenhouse Gases trap heat.
Who/what is considered to be a major source of air pollution?
Farms with Small Animals
What environmental factors MOST likely impact the formation of tornadoes in central United States?
According to the map, people in which region of the United States were likely to be MOST concerned about flooding?
Southeast
Of the listed events, which is the least likely to cause changes in Earth's climate?
-Tsunami
-El Nino
-Volcanic Eruption
-Solar Flares
Tsunami (Tsunami is not climate)
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb infrared radiation from Earth's surface and reradiate some of it back to Earth. Which of the greenhouse gases have the most significant impact on the temperature of Earth's atmosphere?
CO2 and Water Vapor
List the layer of Earth's atmosphere from the Surface to Space
Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, (Exosphere)
What is the weather result for a warm air mass moving over a cooler air mass?
Increased precipitation; steady rain
Ms. Cruz and Ms. Huezo were outside with their students doing a lab. They noticed that the Weather App said the temperature was 85, but it really felt like it was 97. They asked their classes to find the relative humidity.
What is it?
80%
The following is either a change in CLIMATE or WEATHER:
The average amount of annual precipitation decreases.
Climate
What is the name of the process that causes Earth's atmosphere to trap infrared light as heat?
The Greenhouse Effect
Why do cities experience more air quality issues than towns?
Cars, more people
How does air density affect air pressure in a cyclonic storm?
Warm air rising causes low pressure to form underneath
Using the graph, determine whether the statement is true or false.
The global temperatures will likely be higher in 2020 than in 2010
True
The climate of North Carolina is known for (think: Seasons)
Mild Summers, Cool Winters
-Planting Trees
-Recycling Aluminum
-Burning Fossil Fuels
-Nuclear Power
Burning Fossil Fuels
What would happen if there was an increase in atmospheric particles (pollution)?
Temperatures would decrease because there would be less solar radiation reaching Earth's surface
The air masses that interact to form hurricane and cyclones rise and fall due to changes in air density and air pressure. Why do these storms spin?
Earth's rotation
Using the Heat Index, find out the temperature that people would feel if the thermometer reads 90 but relative humidity is 20%.
87 degrees
What are the 6 factors that affect climate? (LAPTOP)
Latitude, Altitude, Proximity to Water, Topography, Ocean Currents, Prevailing Winds
What is the following an example of:
an increase in the number of heat waves causing droughts
Global Warming