Atmosphere - Physics Flashcards
What are the functions of the atmosphere?
A protective blanket from solar radiation
A source of CO2 and nitrogen
An intermediate fro the hydrologic cycle
What light does atmosphere absorb?
300-2500nm and radio waves between 0 and 40nm.
What does the self-purificaiton mechanism of the atmosphere allow for?
Chemical conversion of contaminants to non-polluntants like H20
Dry deposition of gas particles
Wet deposition of water soluble contaminants
Barometric Formula
Modles the pressure of air changes with altitude
Pressure
Describes the force associated with transfer of momentum between molecules by collisions
Gas Constant
Pressure time gas volume divided by number of moles and temperature of the gas, relating energy to temperature scale.
Scale Height
The vertical distance by which density and pressure fall by a factor of e^-1
Why does temperature decrease with increasing altitude?
Expansion of empty space thus less kinetic energy
Adiabatic Lapse Rate
The rate at which air temperature changes in response to compression/expansion with altitude.
Adiabatic
Means no heat exchange occuring between an air parcel and its surroundings.
Why does adiabatic lapse rate not apply to water vapour?
Water vapour condenses into liquid as air mass rises
Why does water vapour condensation lower lapse rate?
Release of heat of vaporization and cooling.
What are the layers of the atmosphere?
Troposphere
Stratosphere
Mesosphere
Thermosphere
What does the tropopause do?
Prevents water loss from earth as water condenses into ice ballast
Why does temperature increase with altitude in the stratosphere?
Presence of ozone absorbing UV
What are the ways vertical motion can occur?
Obstruction of objects
High/low pressure systems
Local instability
How are pressure systems created?
Rising of warm air, creates low pressure surfaces, whilst cool air descenion, creates high pressure surfaces.
Lapse Rate
Describes decreasing temperature with height, or depth in the ocean.