Chapter 1: Properties Of The Atmosphere Flashcards
Temperature
A measure of the average speed that molecules move in a substance
Absolute zero
Zero on the Kelvin scale
-459.67 degrees Fahrenheit
Troposphere
Lower layer of atmosphere where weather occurs
Temperature decreases with height
Stratosphere
Above the troposphere
Temperature increases with height
Why does temperature increase in the stratosphere?
Ozone absorbs UV radiation in that layer
What are the two jet streams and their latitudes?
Subtropical jetstream
Polar jetstream
25 degrees and 50 degrees
Tropopause between
Troposphere and stratosphere
Tropopause folds
Are one way in which air in the stratosphere mixes with air in the troposphere
Mesosphere temperature and height relationship
Temperature decreases with height
Thermosphere temperature and height relationship
Temperature increases with height
Atmospheric pressure
The force applied by air on a unit area of surface
Vapor pressure
The force per unit area applied by only the water vapor molecules
When is atmosphere saturated
When the atmosphere cannot contain any more water vapor without condensing into cloud droplets
Saturation vapor pressure
The vapor pressure at which the atmosphere becomes saturated
Dew point temperature
The lowest temperature to which air can be cooled at constant pressure before saturation occurs
*measure of moisture content