Layers of the Earth Flashcards
1
Q
What is the troposphere?
A
- Lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere
- Weather occurs, and temperature decreases with altitude
2
Q
What is the environmental lapse rate?
A
- Rate at which temperature decreases with altitude in the troposphere
- Averaging 6.5°C per kilometer (3.5°F per 1,000 feet)
3
Q
What happens in the stratosphere?
A
- Temperature increases with altitude
- Due to the ozone layer absorbing ultraviolet radiation from the Sun
4
Q
What is the mesosphere?
A
- Layer above the stratosphere
- Temperature decreases with height
- Coldest region
5
Q
What happens in the thermosphere?
A
- Temperatures rise due to the absorption of high-energy solar radiation by oxygen and nitrogen
- Temperatures can exceed 1000°C
6
Q
What is the hydrosphere?
A
- The liquid water component of Earth
- Covering about 70% of the Earth’s surface.
7
Q
What is the cryosphere?
A
- Refers to Earth’s surface areas where water is in solid form
8
Q
What is the biosphere?
A
- Global sum of all ecosystems, encompassing all living organisms and their interactions
9
Q
What is the geosphere?
A
- Solid, non-living part of Earth
