Chapter 2 Flashcards
Atmosphere
Thin layer of gases and tiny particles that envelopes the globe
Cellular Respiration
Living organisms convert food to energy to fuel life processes
Differentiation
Separation of earth into layers based on density of material
Outgassing
Principal course of Earths atmosphere, release of gases from rock through volcanic eruptions and the planets rocky surface when meteorites strike
Outgassing primarily releases
Carbon dioxide nitrogen and water vapor
Homosphere
Lower atmosphere, maintains uniform ratio of gases
Heterosphere
Above 80km of atmosphere, separates gases by weight
Top 12 gases that compose dry air in lower atmosphere (most to least)
Nitrogen Oxygen Argon Carbon dioxide Neon Helium Methane Krypton Nitrous oxide Hydrogen Xenon Ozone
Scientific models
Approximations or simulations of real systems
Conceptual model and example
Statement of a fundamental law or relationship
Ex. Geographic wind model
Graphical model and example
Displays data in format that readily conveys meaning
Ex. Weather map
Physical model and example
Miniaturized version of a system
Ex. Tornado vortex model
Photochemical smog
Mixture of aerosols and gases including ozone and nitrogen generated in presence of sunlight
Radiosondes
Typically measures measures temp, dew point and pressure
Rawinsode
Upper air sounding that includes wind speed and direction data determined by GPS tracking antenna
Sounding
Vertical profile of air temperature, pressure and dew point
Dropsonde
Similar to rawinsonde, but dropped from air craft
Dropwindsonde
A dropsonde typically tracked via GPS to provide wind speed and direction data . Deployed as “hurricane hunter” aircraft
As you go up the earth’s surface,
Density of oxygen molecules decreases
Atmospheric layers in order from bottom to top
Troposphere Tropopause Stratosphere Stratopause Mesosphere Mesopause Thermosphere
Lowest layer in atmosphere
Troposphere
Most oxygen in this layer
Troposphere
Weather occurs in this layer
Troposphere
Temperature decreases with altitude on this layer
Troposphere
50 km from troposphere
Stratosphere
Isothermal (constant temp) in lower part of this layer
Stratosphere