Chapter 2 Flashcards
Sun
Dominates the solar system
Converts hydrogen to helium
-Nuclear fusion
-Burns at 10,000°F
Northern Lights
Aurora Borealis
Southern Lights
Aurora Australis
Electromagnetic Energy
A form of energy that is reflected or emitted from objects in the form of electrical and magnetic waves.
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Categorizes EMR by wavelength
Gamma, X-Ray, UV, Microwave, Radio
EMR
Electromagnetic Radiation
Short wave Radiation
Hotter objects radiate shorter wavelengths
Long wave Radiation
Cooler objects radiate longer wavelengths
Tilt of Earth’s Axis
The reason for the seasons
Winter Solstice
Dec 21 - Shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, sun at it’s minimum angle.
Summer Solstice
Jun 21 - Longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, sun at it’s maximum angle
Rotation vs Revolution
Rotation - Movement of Earth around it’s axis
Revolution - Orbiting of Earth around the sun
Vernal Equinox
1st Day of Spring
Autumn Equinox
1st Day of Fall
Tropic of Cancer
23.5° North
Tropic of Capricorn
23.5° South
Tropics
Parallel upon which the sun’s rays fall directly above on the 1st day of summer in the southern hemisphere
Arctic Circle
66.5° North
Antarctic Circle
66.5° South
Gas Composition of Atmosphere
78% Nitrogen
21% Oxygen
<1% Argon
Greenhouse Gases
Carbon Dioxide
Methane
Water Vapor
Ozone
Atmospheric Layer
Troposphere: 0-10 miles
Stratosphere: 10-30 miles
Mesosphere: 30-50 miles
Thermosphere: 50-300 miles
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC)
Produces chlorine that destroys the ozone
Cause for ozone hole
What are the natural factors affecting pollutants?
Winds
Local and Regional Landscapes
Temperature Versions
Industrial Smog
Coal based - Industrial revolution
Combo of fog and smoke: true “smog”
Temperature Inversions
A temperature inversion is a thin layer of the atmosphere where the normal decrease in temperature with heights switches to the temperature increasing w/ height
