Assignment 1 Flashcards
How often are weather balloons launched?
Twice a day or every 12 hours.
Why are the oceans becoming more acidic?
More CO2 from atmosphere entering oceans.
Which atmospheric layer contains ozone that protects us from harmful ultraviolet?
Stratosphere.
Fundamental property of an electromagnetic wave that determines its behaviour in the atmosphere?
Wavelength.
Why is most of terrestrial IR emitted by Earth’s surface unable to escape to space?
Absorbed or blocked by greenhouse gases or clouds.
Why does the Earth experience seasons?
Earth’s rotation axis tilted.
What two quantities determine effective/planetary temperature?
Solar energy reaching Earth.
Planetary albedo.
Why is global average surface temperature greater than planetary effective temperature?
Greenhouse gases and clouds emit terrestrial radiation to the surface.
Why is there a net radiation surplus at the top of the atmosphere in the tropics?
Net incoming solar radiation exceeds outgoing terrestrial radiation.
What two factors determine density of sea water at sea surface?
Temperature; salinity.
What does it mean for Earth to have planetary albedo of 30%?
30% of incoming solar radiation reflected back to space.
Which atmospheric gas blocks most IR?
Water vapour.
Why is Earth as a whole currently not in energy balance?
Extra greenhouse gases reducing outgoing terrestrial IR.
