How the Earth Works: Atmosphere Flashcards
What wavelength of radiation does the atmosphere absorb?
Longwave.
Give examples of strong absorbers of longwave energy in the atmosphere.
- Atmospheric H2O vapour
- CO2
(This is why the atmosphere heats up from bottom to top!)
Give 5 examples of trace gases.
- CO2
- CH4
- N2O
- O3
- Halocarbons
State the barometric law.
Atmospheric pressure decreases by a factor of 10 for every 16km in altitude.
What are the four regions of the atmosphere and what distinguishes them?
Thermosphere🌤
⬆️
Mesosphere
⬆️
Stratosphere
⬆️
Troposphere🌱
Distinguished by temperature.🌡Describe the troposphere.
- Gases are relatively well mixed.
* Temperature is due to heating of the Earth’s surface and emission of longwave radiation.
Describe the reason for the temperature in the stratosphere.
Temperature is due to UV absorption by ozone and emission of longwave radiation.
How have CFCs affected the ozone layer?
Atmospheric O3 absorbs UV radiation. CFCs deplete O3 allowing more UV to reach the Earth’s surface.
What is the dominant ozone-depleting substance in the 21st century?
N2O
What is the driving force behind atmospheric circulation?
Solar energy distribution.☀️
Describe temperature gradients.
The Earth varies in temperature from the equator to the poles leading to density and pressure differences which drive global movement of air.
State the relationship between temperature, air density and pressure.
As temperature decreases, air density and pressure increase.
What is the ‘Polar Front Zone’?
The area where cold polar air meets warm rising air from the subtropics.
What are ‘Ferrel Cells’?
When air in mid-latitudes is forced to flow counter to the Hadley and Polar air movements.
Which three factors determine the Earth’s surface temperature?
- Amount of incoming solar radiation.
- Earth’s reflectivity.
- Amount of warming provided by Earth’s atmosphere. (i.e. Greenhouse effect)
