Atmosphere
Name all 5 layers of the atmosphere.
Troposphere
Stratosphere
Mesosphere
Thermosphere
Exosphere
What happens to the amount of air molecules as you increase altitude (go up) in our atmosphere?
Fewer Air Molecules (DECREASE)
What do you call water that exists as a gas? It's found in our atmosphere.
Water Vapor
What is the term for when a thunderstorm produces a frozen ice ball within a cloud that drops to the ground
HAIL
What is the difference between weather and climate?
the current state of the atmosphere- weather
The average weather of a place over a long period of time(30+ years)- climate
What layer of the atmosphere does weather occur?
troposphere
What is the typical direction of hot air?
What is the typical direction of cold air?
hot air rises.
cold air sinks.
What layer of the atmosphere is referred to as the hottest and is home to auroras?
Thermosphere
What weather tools would you need to measure wind speed AND wind direction
anemometer and wind vane (or wind sock)
What are 3 factors that shape climate?
Latitude
Distance from Water
Elevation
Global Winds
Ocean Currents
Topography
___________ ___________ is caused by air particles pushing down on other surfaces
Air Pressure
What does ozone protect/shield us from?
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation from the sun
What is the center of a hurricane called?
The EYE
Rain, sleet, snow, and hail occur when these droplets and ice crystals in clouds become too heavy and fall; this is an example of _____.
Precipitation
What are the two main jobs of the atmosphere?
Protection- from meteors/UV light
Trapping- of gasses needed for life and heat
what is wind?
the movement of air from one high pressure to low pressure.
Explain why a bag of chips seems to inflate/expand as you travel to higher altitudes like a mountain.
When you climb to higher altitudes, the air pressure around you decreases. However, the air pressure inside the bag of chips remains the same. This pressure difference causes the bag to expand because the air inside pushes against the bag's walls.
If you want to know the atmospheric pressure and the humidity, what weather tools are needed?
barometer for pressure. hygrometer for humidity
The polar ice caps receive little warmth even though they are very exposed to the sun, why is this?
What is reflection of sun rays.
list at least 3 gases that Earth's atmosphere is made up of and their percentage.
78% nitrogen
21% oxygen
Less than 1% other gases such as argon, carbon dioxide and water vapor.
Explain why the wind speeds at the top of a mountain are often greater than speeds near the ground.
As air flows over a mountain, it encounters resistance, causing it to compress and squeeze against the mountain's surface. This compression forces the air upward, similar to putting your thumb on a garden hose. As the air rises, it reaches the top of the troposphere, which acts like a ceiling, preventing further ascent.
Explain why there is less water vapor in the air when it's 45°F and 80% humidity compared to 90°F and 70% humidity.
At 45°F and 80% humidity, colder air holds less water vapor than at 90°F and 70% humidity. Warmer air can hold more moisture due to faster molecular movement and increased capacity.
Explain how hail is produced. Include at least 3 steps.
Updraft Lifts Water: Strong updrafts carry water droplets high into the sky.
Water Freezes at the Top: In the cold heights of the cloud, the water turns into ice.
Ice Grows: More water freezes onto the ice, making it bigger.
Hail Falls: When the ice gets heavy, it falls as hailstones.
This happens most often during thunderstorms.
approximately what percent of Earth is covered by water?
71% (70% is accepted)