Flash Cards Geography Climate

Question 1

Structure of Atmosphere?

Answer 1

1. Troposphere
2. Stratosphere
3. Mesosphere
4. Thermosphere /Exosphere

Question 2

Temperature Inversion?

Answer 2

Area where temperature changes in reverse direction

Question 3

Inversion?

Answer 3

When temperature increases with altitude

Question 4

Positive Lapse Rate?

Answer 4

When temperature decreases with height

Question 5

Negative Lapse Rate?

Answer 5

When temperature increases with height.

Question 6

Troposphere?

Answer 6

1. Layer we live in
2. Contains weather- water vapour/clouds
3. 17km at equator and 8km at poles
4. Temperature decreases with altitude
5. Upper limit-Tropopause

Question 7

Stratosphere?

Answer 7

1. Characterised by steady increase in temperature, due to high concentration of ozone which absorbs Uv radiation
2. Upper limit-Stratopause
3. Protective shield against meteorites

Question 8

Mesosphere?

Answer 8

1. Temperature drops rapidly with height as there is nothing to absorb it. No ozone or water vapour
2. Winds extreme
3. Upper limit-Mesopause
4. Least understood too high for aircraft and low for spacecraft

Question 9

Thermosphere?

Answer 9

1. Thickest layer with the lightest gases
2. Scattered molecule absorb UV propelling them at high speed and temperature causing temperatures like 1500C
3. ISS orbit

Question 10

Exosphere?

Answer 10

1. Explains a and contracts causing it too come into contact with solar storm, causing explosive events/ solar flares
2. Weather satellites

Question 11

Gases?

Answer 11

Permanent- Nitrogen, O2, Argon

Variable- Co2, Methane, Ozone

Question 12

Solids?

Answer 12

Pollution particulate, dust, pollen, plastic, salt, silica

Question 13

Mass and Weight?

Answer 13

Individual molecule have mass therefore weight due to gravity- exerts pressure on surface

Question 14

Compressibility?

Answer 14

Lower layers more compressed. When air is heated it expands reducing compression. Air is cooled it contracts increasing compression

Question 15

Mobility?

Answer 15

Attempts to equalise pressure causing wind. Horizontal-advecation, Vertical-convection

Question 16

Insolation?

Answer 16

Incoming Solar Radiation. The energy the sun gives off as shortwave radiation.

Question 17

Energy Transfer?

Answer 17

1. Terrestrial or Longwave Radiation- warms atmosphere from below
2. Conduction- heat is passed from one molecule to another or from surface to air by direct contact.
3. Convection- heater air become less dense and rises and cool air sinks in to replace it.
4. Latent Heat- energy is water vapour that is radiated when it condenses.

Question 18

How is insolation lost?

Answer 18

1. Absorption- upper layers absorb deadly radiation. Ozone, vapour, dust.
2. Scattering- dust scatters radiation and cause sunsets by scattering visible light.
3. Reflection or Surface Albedo- reflect sunlight back , lighter reflects better.

Question 19

Greenhouse Effect?

Answer 19

Natural process made possible by gases in Earths atmosphere. They trap heat and reflect it back down to Earths surface. Prevents Earth from cooling too much.

Question 20

Greenhouse?

Answer 20

Sunlight enters glass as shortwave radiation. Converted to longwave and traps heat.

Question 21

What caused large amounts of greenhouse gases to be released?

Answer 21

Industrial Revolution in 1700s and 1800s

Question 22

Uses for Greenhouse Gases?

Answer 22

Co2- fossil fuels burned
Methane-livestock farming
CFCs- Aerosols and Polystyrene
Ozone-Smog reacting with organic compounds
Nitrous Oxide-Agriculture

Question 23

Global Warming?

Answer 23

The increase of the Earths surface temperature due to the emissions of greenhouse gases.

Question 24

Carbon Cycle?

Answer 24

Carbon is essential for life. It is stored in oceans, plants, atmosphere and rocks. Carbon is recycled for photosynthesis and when ingested. When they die their remains deconpose and turn into rocks, minerals and fossil fuels. Released back into atmosphere when burnt.

Question 25

Enhance Greenhouse Effect?

Answer 25

Man-made influence on Earths greenhouse gases.

Question 26

Evidence of Greenhouse Effect?

Answer 26

Co2 concentration higher over pure sea air Antarctic sea ice diminishing Earths 1C warmer than 100yrs ago Glaciers retreating

Question 27

Causes of Global Warming?

Answer 27

Increased industrialisation- fossil fuels being burnt Deforestation- fewer trees to absorb CO2 Increased populatio. more resources used Increased cattle herds- emits more methane Increased rice production- grown in flooded field, anaerobic conditions ideal for bacteria breaking decomposing organic matter, releasing methane Reduction of oceans absorb too of CO2

Question 28

Global Warming impact of Environment?

Answer 28

Intense heatwaves Melting of Artic ice Coral Bleaching Unreliable weather Reduction of habitat

Question 29

Effects of Ozone Depletion?

Answer 29

Human- skin cancer, eye cataracts, lowered immune system Environment- altered weather, surface temperature and reduction of crop yields

Question 30

Chlorofluorocarbons?

Answer 30

Aerosols and polystyrene 1. UV causes chlorine to break from CFC molecule 2. Chlorine hits ozone molecule 3. Chlorine pulls 1 oxgen atom away 4.Another free oxygen atom hits chlorine monoxide molecule 5. Results in free chlorine atom that continues to deplete ozone