Chapter 4 Earth's Atmosphere Flashcards
Most of the energy that reaches the sun is…
…visible light.
When the sun’s energy reaches Earth…
…about 50% is absorbed by Earth’s surface
Why doesn’t Earth become hotter with time as the Sun shines on it?
Earth sends back into space the same amount of energy it receives.
Which gases are most responsible for the warming that occurs with the greenhouse effect?
Methane and Carbon Monoxide
Which term describes what builds storm clouds as rapidly rising air cools?
Unstable air
Which term describes energy transfer by objects that are touching?
Conduction
Which term describes cooler air trapped beneath warmer air?
Temperature Inversion
Which term describes energy transfer by electromagnetic waves?
Radiation
Which term describes energy transfer due to warm, air rising?
Convection
Which term is changed when water changes state?
Latent Heat
What is the cause of wind?
Unequal heating of Earth’s surface
Sea breezes for during the day when…
…The land heats faster that the nearby ocean
What does the Coriolis effect do to winds in the northern hemisphere?
Causes them to turn to the right
Why do land breezes blow from the land to the sea at night?
Land cools faster than nearby water
Which term describes steady east-to-west winds that flow toward the equator from 30N and 30S?
Trade Winds
Which term describes winds that blow from west to east between 30N and 60N & 30S and 60S?
Westerlies
Which term describes cold winds that blow from east to west near the poles?
Polar Easterlies
A factory smokestack is what type of pollution; point or nonpoint source?
Point source pollution
A highway that has many cars releasing exhaust is what type of pollution; point or nonpoint source?
Nonpoint source
Which example is an effect of acid precipitation?
a. Temperature inversions
b. Weathered stone on buildings
c. An increase in the concentration of smog
weathered stone on buildings
Pollution that forms when sunlight reacts with chemicals in the air is…
photochemcial smog
Why have air pollution controls failed to decrease ground level ozone?
Ozone is not covered under the Clean Air Act of 1970
Which term describes tiny particles of dust, acid and other chemicals?
Particulate matter
Which term traps pollution in air over cities?
Temperature inversion
