Chapter 3: The Dynamic Earth Flashcards
Section 2: The Atmosphere & Section 3: Hydrosphere & Biosphere
What gasses make up the atmosphere?
The gasses that make up the atmosphere are nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor and others.
What are the four main layers of the atmosphere (list in order from the surface of the Earth out to space)?
The four main layers of the atmosphere are the troposphere, the stratosphere, the mesosphere, and the thermosphere.
What happens to temperature in each of the layers as altitude increases?
Temperature increases as you gain altitude in the stratosphere and the thermosphere. Temperature decreases as you gain altitude in the troposphere and mesosphere. Depends on the layer.
List a characteristic or feature of each layer of the atmosphere.
The troposphere is where weather events occur, the stratosphere contains the ozone layer, the mesosphere is where meteors burn up and protects the Earth from large meteoroids, and the thermosphere is responsible for the Northern and Southern Lights.
Define the three mechanisms of energy transfer through the atmosphere:
Conduction, Convection, & Radiation.
Conduction
Conduction is the transfer of energy as heat through a material.
Convection
Convection is the movement of matter due to differences in density that are caused by temperature variations and can result in the transfer of energy as heat.
Radiation
Radiation is the energy that is transferred as electromagnetic waves, such as visible light and infrared waves.
What is the hydrosphere?
The hydrosphere is encompassing all the water in various forms found on or around the planet. This includes water in oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, groundwater, glaciers, ice caps, and even in the atmosphere as water vapor.
What is the biosphere?
The biosphere is the layer of the Earth where life exists, extending from the depths of the oceans to the highest points of the atmosphere. It encompasses all living organisms.
