Climate - Chp. 1 The Biosphere

Question 1

What is the Biosphere

Answer 1

• Thin layer of earth with conditions suitable for supporting life
• Consists of all living things on earth and environment that supports them
• Atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere

Question 2

Is the earth an open or closed system

Answer 2

Closed, energy is exchanged between systems and surroundings, but matter is not

Question 3

What is the difference between climate and weather

Answer 3

Climate: average weather conditions that occur over a long period of time (min 30 years)

Weather: conditions of temperature, air pressure, cloud cover, precipitation, humidity over a particular time

Question 4

What are the components of the atmosphere

Answer 4

Nitrogen (78.08%), oxygen (20.95%), trace amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, neon, helium, and methane (0.97%) and atmospheric dust

Question 5

What are the different layers of the atmosphere

Answer 5

troposphere:
- 0-10 km
- contains 80% of atmospheric gases and atmospheric dust
- average temp of 15°C
- only part of the atmosphere that can sustain life
- where most weather occurs

Stratosphere
- 10-50 km
- contains ozone layer, protects earth from radiation
- -60°C to 0°C

Mesosphere
- 50-80 km
- 0°C to -100°C.

Thermosphere
- 80-500 km
- very little gases
- -100°C to 1500°C

Question 6

What is the Hydrosphere

Answer 6

• all water on earth (solid, liquid, gas)
• 97% is saltwater stored in oceans
• 3% is freshwater lakes, rivers, groundwater, glaciers
• mostly warmed by solar radiation, (some from molten material in mantle)

Question 7

What is the lithosphere

Answer 7

• solid portion of Earth that sits above the mantle
• rocks, minerals, elements
• 0 up to 100 km below surface
• warmed by sun’s energy (some from molten material in mantle)