Atmosphere Flashcards
What does the global energy budget refer to?
The balance between incoming and outgoing solar radiation.
What is insolation?
The amount of solar radiation received by a surface.
What proportion of incoming solar radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere and Earth’s surface?
Approximately two-thirds.
What is albedo?
The proportion of solar radiation that is reflected by a body or surface.
What is the average albedo for Earth?
0.31.
Which surfaces have a high albedo?
- Snow
- Ice
What surfaces have a low albedo?
- Forests
- Oceans
- Deserts
What does the tri-cellular model explain?
The redistribution of energy from areas of surplus to areas of deficit.
What are the three cells in the tri-cellular model?
- Hadley cell
- Ferrel cell
- Polar cell
What atmospheric phenomenon affects wind patterns in the tri-cellular model?
Coriolis effect.
How do temperature and precipitation influence biomes?
They determine the geographic distribution of plants and animals.
What type of biome is associated with high atmospheric pressure?
Hot desert, tundra.
What type of biome is associated with low atmospheric pressure?
Rainforest (equatorial and temperate).
What geological evidence indicates long-term climate change?
Ice ages and warmer interglacial periods.
What are Milankovitch cycles?
Cyclical variations in Earth–Sun geometry that affect solar energy received.
What factors contribute to Milankovitch cycles?
- Shape of Earth’s orbit
- Tilt of Earth’s axis
- Orientation of Earth’s axis of rotation
How does the shape of Earth’s orbit affect temperature?
A circular orbit increases annual insolation and temperature.
What impact does the tilt of Earth’s axis have on seasonal variation?
Greater tilt leads to more severe seasonal variation.
How does snow and ice accumulation affect climate?
It increases albedo, causing additional cooling.
What is the role of plate tectonics in climate change?
The movement of continental plates affects atmospheric and oceanic circulation.
What short-term climate change factor is associated with volcanic activity?
It introduces ash and particulates, reducing insolation.
What long-term effect can volcanic activity have on climate?
Increases levels of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases.
What is sunspot activity?
Storms on the Sun’s surface characterized by intense magnetic activity.
What happens during periods of maximum sunspot activity?
The Sun emits more energy.
Describe the make-up of gases in the atmosphere
Nitrogen (78%), Oxygen (21%), Argon (0.93%), Water Vapour, Carbon Dioxide and Methane are among the many other gases that are present in very small amounts
