Glossary AT 1 Flashcards
Atmosphere
The gaseous layer that acts as a barrier between space and the surface of the earth.
Geography
The study of the Earth’s land, features, people, and environment
Physical Geography
The study of Earth’s natural features, including landforms, climate, water bodies, and ecosystems
Human Geography
How ppl interact with the environment, including cultures, economies, populations, and urban development
Hydrosphere
Includes all of the water on the earth, such as oceans, rivers, lakes, etc
Lithosphere/Geosphere
The solid part of the earth, like rocks and soil
Biosphere
Flora and Fauna, basically all living things
Pedosphere
Earth’s soil layer, where land, air, water, and living things interact.
Upwelling
A process where cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep rises to the surface, replacing warmer, less nutrient-rich water that has moved away from the coast
Altitude
The height of something above a reference point, usually above sea level
Latitude
‘Flatitude’ The distance N or S of the equator, measured in degrees; how far a place is from the equator N or S
Continents
The large landmasses of Earth
Oceans
Large bodies of saltwater
Seasons
Different climate at different parts of the year, based off earths tilt
Desertification
Fertile land becomes desert typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
Troposphere - alt, temp, features
Alt. Range –> 0–12 km
Temp Range –> 15°C to -60°C
Features –> Weather, contains most air, temperature decreases with alt, supports life,
Stratosphere - alt, temp, features
Alt. Range –> 12-50km
Temp Range –> -60 to 0
Features –> Ozone layer absorbs UV radiation, temperature increases, where commercial jets fly
Ozone (Within Stratosphere) - alt, temp, features
Alt. Range –> ~15–35 km
Temp Range –> -60 to 0
Features –> Absorbs UV radiation, protects life, contains ozone (O₃), warms stratosphere, and prevents DNA damage.
Mesosphere - alt, temp, features
Alt. Range –> 50–85 km
Temp Range –> ~0°C to -90°C
Features –> Coldest layer, meteors burn up, low pressure, temperature decreases with altitude.
Thermosphere - alt, temp, features
Alt. Range –> 85-600 km
Temp Range –> -90 to 2500°C
Features –> Hottest layer, absorbs solar radiation, auroras occur, contains ionosphere, and satellites orbit here.
Albedo
The fraction of light that a surface reflects. If all light is reflected, albedo = 1, but if 30% reflects, albedo = 0.3.
Dark surfaces absorb/dont reflect
Light surfaces reflect
Insolation
The amount of solar radiation received at a location on Earths surface.
Cloudy - around 6-45% of energy reaches the surface
Clear - around 88% “ “ “ “ “
Conduction
Transfer of heat from a warmer object to a colder one through molecule interaction
Convection
Movement of particles through a substances, transporting heat from hotter areas to cooler areas
