Composition of the Atmosphere and the Radiative Balance Flashcards
What role does oxygen play in the atmosphere?
Oxygen is a main reactant in many transformations in the atmosphere and blocks UV radiation.
Which planets are mentioned in the text regarding their atmospheres?
Mercury, Mars, Earth, and Venus are mentioned.
What is the troposphere?
The troposphere is the lower level of the atmosphere near the surface where temperature decreases with altitude.
How often does the troposphere mix?
The troposphere mixes quickly enough to make the system homogeneous in about one year.
What affects the variability of atmospheric constituents?
Constituents with shorter residence times have higher variability.
What is the residence time of nitrogen gas (N2) in the atmosphere?
The residence time of nitrogen gas is over 40 million years.
How much water vapor can be found in the atmosphere?
Water vapor ranges from 0-4% in the atmosphere.
What is the residence time of carbon dioxide (CO2)?
The residence time of carbon dioxide is about 3-5 years.
Where does the majority of ozone (O3) reside?
Ozone primarily resides in the stratosphere.
What is the role of ozone in the stratosphere?
Ozone blocks UV radiation, reducing DNA damage.
What happens to UV radiation in the atmosphere?
UV radiation is absorbed by O2 and O3, which leads to the formation of ozone.
What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
VOCs are gaseous organic matter involved in the production of tropospheric ozone.
How does atmosphere structure affect temperature?
The structure of the atmosphere creates temperature gradients that isolate the troposphere and stratosphere.
What contributes to the greenhouse effect?
Greenhouse gases like CO2, H2O, and O3 slow the loss of IR radiation from the Earth’s surface.
What would happen to Earth’s temperature without the greenhouse effect?
Earth would be approximately 32°C cooler without the greenhouse effect.
What is the main contributor to the greenhouse effect?
Greenhouse gases contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing reradiated IR radiation.
What is the effect of aerosols on the atmosphere?
Aerosols can influence the energy balance and atmospheric processes, contributing to various climatic effects.
What is the significance of the Earth’s radiant balance?
It represents a dynamic equilibrium where the incoming solar radiation balances the outgoing infrared radiation.
Describe the composition of the atmosphere mentioned in the text.
The atmosphere is composed of nitrogen, oxygen, and varying levels of water vapor, with other trace gases present.
What are primary and secondary aerosols?
Primary aerosols are directly emitted particles, while secondary aerosols are formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere.
How do living organisms affect the atmosphere?
Living organisms influence atmospheric composition through processes like respiration, photosynthesis, and decomposition.
What is the effect of albedo on temperature?
Albedo affects how much solar radiation is reflected versus absorbed, thereby influencing temperature and the greenhouse effect.
What causes the production and destruction of ozone?
The reactions involving solar radiation lead to the cyclical production and destruction of ozone in the stratosphere.
What causes the temperature profile in the atmosphere?
The temperature profile is affected by the structure of the atmosphere and the reactions that occur within it.
How often is the stratosphere replaced?
The stratosphere is replaced approximately every 5 years.
Why is water vapor significant in the atmosphere?
Water vapor dominates infrared absorption and plays a critical role in the greenhouse effect and weather patterns.
What is the balance of solar energy absorbed by Earth?
About 70% of incoming solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth and its atmosphere.
How does atmospheric composition influence Earth’s climate?
Atmospheric composition affects radiative balance, which in turn influences the Earth’s temperature and climate systems.
What is the average lifespan of water vapor in the atmosphere?
The average lifespan of water vapor in the atmosphere is approximately 7-10 days.
How does carbon dioxide (CO2) vary annually?
Carbon dioxide exhibits annual variability based on natural inputs and outputs across global scales.
What are the consequences of ozone depletion in the stratosphere?
Ozone depletion can increase UV radiation exposure, leading to higher rates of DNA damage and health risks.
Why does the Sun emit radiation?
The Sun emits radiation as a result of its temperature, which dictates the wavelengths of electromagnetic (EM) radiation produced.
What is the importance of studying atmospheric processes?
Understanding atmospheric processes is crucial for predicting climate change, weather patterns, and the health of ecosystems.
What role does solar radiation play in the Earth’s atmosphere?
Solar radiation warms the Earth’s surface and drives atmospheric processes, including weather and climate dynamics.
What effect does temperature have on the emission of radiation?
The temperature of an object affects the amount and wavelengths of energy it emits as radiation.
How does the Earth’s atmosphere interact with solar radiation?
The atmosphere minimally affects solar radiation, with some UV absorption occurring, primarily by O2 and O3.
What are the key components of the Earth’s radiative balance?
The key components include incoming solar radiation, atmospheric absorption, and outgoing infrared radiation.
How can human activities impact atmospheric composition?
Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, contribute to increased levels of greenhouse gases and pollutants in the atmosphere.
What is the significance of the time a reservoir atom spends in the atmosphere?
The residence time of an atom in the atmosphere indicates how long it can influence atmospheric processes and climate.
What happens to the temperature profile of Earth without greenhouse gases?
Without greenhouse gases, Earth’s surface temperature would significantly drop, making it less hospitable for life.
How does the Earth’s atmospheric structure prevent water photochemical splitting?
The tropopause isolates the troposphere and stratosphere, which helps prevent the photochemical splitting of water by UV radiation.
What are the main sources of aerosols in the atmosphere?
Major sources include soil dust, sea salt, volcanic dust, organic matter, and human activities like industrial processes.
Why are trace compounds like methane and sulfur compounds important?
They are reactive substances in the atmosphere that contribute to various chemical transformations and pollutant formation.
What is the balance between inputs and outputs in atmospheric reservoirs?
The balance is crucial for maintaining steady-state conditions and can influence climate stability and variability.
How does the loss of IR radiation affect the atmosphere?
High altitudes experience lower concentrations of greenhouse gases, which affects the Earth’s ability to retain infrared radiation.
What factors control the energy balance of the Earth?
The sun’s output and the composition of the atmosphere affect the energy balance, influencing the Earth’s climate over time.
What is the significance of the greenhouse effect in relation to energy supply?
The greenhouse effect is vital for trapping heat, allowing ecosystems to thrive and contributing to the stability of climates.
How are variations in atmospheric composition linked to life on Earth?
Life processes, such as metabolism and respiration, create feedback loops that influence the atmosphere’s composition and climate.
What can cause fluctuations in the Earth’s temperature?
Factors such as changes in solar radiation, volcanic eruptions, and human activities can lead to fluctuations in temperature.
Why is monitoring atmospheric constituents important?
Monitoring atmospheric constituents is crucial for understanding climate change, pollution levels, and ecological health.
How does the concept of equilibrium apply to the atmosphere?
Equilibrium in the atmosphere indicates a balance between incoming and outgoing energy, affecting climate stability over time.
