Lesson 2: The Physical Environment

Question 1

A measure of the ability of a solution to behave as an acid, a compound that releases protons (H+) to the water in which it is dissolved.

Answer 1

acidity

Question 2

An oscillation of pressure cells and sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean that causes widespread climatic variation and changes in upwelling currents.

Answer 2

El Niño Southern Oscillation

Question 3

The warm surface layer of water in a lake, lying above the thermocline, that forms during the summer in some lakes of temperate and polar regions.

Answer 3

epilimnion

Question 4

The sum of water loss through evaporation and transpiration.

Answer 4

evapotranspiration

Question 5

A large-scale, three-dimensional pattern of atmospheric circulation in each hemisphere, located at mid-latitudes between the Hadley and polar cells.

Answer 5

Ferrell Cell

Question 6

Atmospheric gases that absorb and reradiate the infrared radiation emitted by Earth’s surface, including water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

Answer 6

greenhouse gases

Question 7

A large-scale, three-dimensional pattern of atmospheric circulation in each hemisphere in which air is uplifted at the equator and subsides at about 30° N and S.

Answer 7

Hadley Cell

Question 8

The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of a substance.

Answer 8

heat capacity

Question 9

The densest, coldest water layer in a lake, lying below the thermocline.

Answer 9

hypolimnion

Question 10

Of or relating to a condition of oxygen depletion, usually below a level that can sustain most animals.

Answer 10

hypoxic

Question 11

The zone of maximum solar radiation, atmospheric uplift, and precipitation within the tropical zone.

Answer 11

Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

Question 12

The amount of solar radiation reflected by a surface, usually expressed as a percentage of the incoming solar radiation.

Answer 12

albedo

Question 13

The rate at which atmospheric temperature decreases with increasing distance from the ground.

Answer 13

lapse rate

Question 14

Heat transfer associated with the phase change of water, such as evaporation, sublimation, or condensation.

Answer 14

latent heat loss

Question 15

The climate typical of coastal terrestrial regions that are influenced by an adjacent ocean, characterized by low daily and seasonal variation in temperature.

Answer 15

maritime climate

Question 16

Cycles of regular change over thousands of years in the shape of Earth’s orbit, in the angle of tilt of its axis, and in its orientation toward other celestial bodies that change the intensity of solar radiation received by Earth.

Answer 16

Milankovitch cycles

Question 17

An oscillation in atmospheric pressures and ocean currents in the North Atlantic Ocean that affects climatic variation in Europe, in northern Asia, and on the east coast of North America.

Answer 17

North Atlantic Oscillation

Question 18

A long-term oscillation in sea surface temperatures and atmospheric pressures in the North Pacific Ocean that has widespread climatic effects.

Answer 18

Pacific Decadal Oscillation

Question 19

A large-scale, three-dimensional pattern of atmospheric circulation in which air subsides at the poles, moves toward the equator when it reaches Earth’s surface, and is replaced by air moving through the upper atmosphere from lower latitudes.

Answer 19

polar cell

Question 20

The major climatic zone above 60° N and S.

Answer 20

polar zone

Question 21

The effect a mountain range has on regional climate by forcing moving air upward, causing it to cool and release precipitation on the windward slopes, resulting in lower levels of precipitation and soil moisture on the leeward slope.

Answer 21

rain-shadow effect

Question 22

The concentration of dissolved salts in water.

Answer 22

salinity

Question 23

A measure of the ability of a solution to behave as a base, a compound that takes up protons (H+) or releases hydroxide ions (OH–).

Answer 23

alkalinity

Question 24

A process by which high rates of evapotranspiration in arid regions result in a progressive buildup of salts at the soil surface.

Answer 24

salinization

Question 25

The transfer of heat through the exchange of energy by conduction or convection.

Answer 25

sensible heat loss

Question 26

The layering of water in oceans and lakes due to differences in water temperature and density with depth.

Answer 26

stratification

Question 27

A sinking (downward) movement of air in the atmosphere, usually over a broad area, leading to the development of a high-pressure cell.

Answer 27

subsidence

Question 28

The major climatic zone between 30° and 60° N and S.

Answer 28

temperate zone

Question 29

The zone of rapid temperature change in a lake beneath the epilimnion and above the hypolimnion.

Answer 29

thermocline

Question 30

The major climatic zone between 25° N and S, encompassing the equator; also called the tropics.

Answer 30

tropical zone

Question 31

(1) The mixing of the entire water column in a stratified lake when all the layers of water reach the same temperature and density. (2) The change in species diversity and composition from one community type to another across the landscape.

Answer 31

turnover

Question 32

The rising of warm, less dense air in the atmosphere due to heating of Earth’s surface.

Answer 32

uplift

Question 33

The rising of deep ocean waters to the surface.

Answer 33

upwelling

Question 34

The pressure exerted on a surface due to the mass of the atmosphere above it.

Answer 34

atmospheric pressure

Question 35

The temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, and cloud cover at a particular time and place.

Answer 35

weather

Question 36

The long-term description of weather, based on averages and variation measured over decades.

Answer 36

climate

Question 37

The transfer of sensible heat through the exchange of kinetic energy between molecules due to a temperature gradient.

Answer 37

conduction

Question 38

The transfer of sensible heat through the exchange of
air and water molecules as they move from one area to another.

Answer 38

convection

Question 39

The climate typical of terrestrial areas in the middle of large continental land masses at high latitudes, characterized by high variation in seasonal temperatures.

Answer 39

continental climate

Question 40

The apparent deflection of air or water currents when viewed from a rotating reference point such as Earth’s surface.

Answer 40

Coriolis Effect