6.1 introduction to the atmosphere Flashcards
1
Q
composition of atmosphere
A
- nitrogen 78%
- oxygen 21%
2
Q
troposphere
A
- closest to earth surface, where humans live
- warmest near earth’s surface, getting colder higher up
- greenhouse effect occurs, regulates temperature
3
Q
greenhouse effect
A
- energy from the sun enters the atmosphere short wave radiation, some absorbed by the earth
- ground warms, heat energy radiated back into atmosphere, GHGs absorb longwave radiation, warming the atmosphere
- some still reflected into space, albedo effect
- humans increasing GHGs in the atmosphere, enhanced greenhouse effect
4
Q
GHG
carbon dioxide
A
- burning fossil fuels, respiration, volcanic activity, deforestation
- plants and trees, carbon sinks, biomass
5
Q
GHG
methane
A
- emissions from livestock
6
Q
GHG
nitrous oxide
A
- fertilizers, combustion, industrial processes
7
Q
GHG
chlorofluorocarbons CFCs
hydrochlorofluorocarbons HCFCs
A
- liquid coolants, fridge, aircon
- industrial solvent
- aerosol products
8
Q
stratosphere
A
- above the troposphere
- ozone absorbs UV radiation from the sun, protecting everything on earth
9
Q
order of atmosphere sections
A
- troposphere (bad ozone)
- stratosphere (good ozone)
- mesosphere
- thermosphere
