Introduction to Atmosphere Flashcards
what is the order of the thermal layers of the atmosphere?
troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
how does latitude control climate?
this climate control influences basic distribution of solar energy and warming and cooling. the most fundamental control of climate.
how does the distribution of land and water control climate?
this climate control primarily affects coastal areas. since ocean change temperature much slower than landmasses, coastal areas experience mild temperature ranges than coasts, and are home to higher levels of humidity.
how does the general circulation of the atmosphere control climate?
this climate control’s major wind and pressure systems dominate tropospheric weather and climate conditions.
how does the general circulation of the oceans control climate?
similar to the atmosphere, this climate control transfers energy around the globe by moving warm water poleward and cool water equatorward, while warm currents are found on eastern coasts of continents and cool ones west.
how does altitude control climate?
since temperature, pressure, and moisture levels generally decrease as one moves higher in the troposphere, this climate control has significant ramifications for many climate characteristics in mountainous regions particularly.
how do topographic barriers control climate?
since mountains and hills often have a strong diverting effect on winds, this climate control changes the conditions between the windward and leeward side of slopes.
what is the Coriolis Effect?
things moving freely within earth’s atmosphere appear to drift sideways, deflecting to the right in the north hem and left in the south hem.
what are some important consequences of the Coriolis effect?
- ocean currents and pressure systems deflect to the right in the north hem and left in the south hem
- the circulation of wind in storms is different between the two hems, and there are no cyclones near the equator because of the lack of Coriolis effect.
