Chapter 15 - Atmosphere Flashcards
Air pressure
The measure of the force with which air molecules push on a surface
Troposphere
The lowest layer of the atmosphere in which temperature decreases at a constant rate.
Stratosphere
The layer of the atmosphere that is above the troposphere in which temperature increases
Mesosphere
The layer of the atmosphere between the stratosphere and the thermosphere and in which temperature decreases.
Thermosphere
The uppermost layered the atmosphere in which temperature increases as altitude increases.
Radiation
The transfer of energy as electromagnetic waves
Thermal conduction
The transfer of energy as heat through go a material
Convection
It he transfer of thermal energy by the circulation or movement of a liquid or gas
Greenhouse Effect
The warming of the surface and lower atmosphere of earth that occurs when water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases absorb and readout a thermal energy.
Global warming
A gradual increase in average global temperature
Wind
The movement of air caused by differences in air pressure
Coriolis effect
The apparent curing path of a moving object from an otherwise straight path due to the earths rotation
Polar easterlies
Prevailing winds that blow from east to west between 60 and 90 latitude in both hemispheres
Westerlies
Prevailing winds that blow from west to east between 30 and 60 latitude in both hemispheres
Trade winds
Prevailing winds that blow northeast from 30 north latitude to the equator and that blow southeast from 30 south latitude to the equator.
