Module 3 Vocabulary

Question 1

Atmosphere

Answer 1

The mass of air surrounding a planet.

Question 2

Atmospheric Pressure

Answer 2

The pressure exerted by the atmosphere on all objects within it.

Question 3

Barometer

Answer 3

An instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.

Question 4

Homosphere

Answer 4

The lower layer of the earth’s atmosphere, which exists below roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles) above sea level.

Question 5

Heterosphere

Answer 5

The upper layer of the earth’s atmosphere which exists above 80 kilometers (50 miles) above sea level.

Question 6

Troposphere

Answer 6

The region of the atmosphere that extends from ground level to 11 kilometers (7 miles) above sea level.

Question 7

Stratosphere

Answer 7

The region of the atmosphere that spans altitudes of roughly 11 kilometers (7 miles) to 48 kilometers (30 miles) above sea level.

Question 8

Mesosphere

Answer 8

The region of the atmosphere that spans altitudes of roughly 48 kilometers (30 miles) to 80 kilometers (50 miles) above sea level.

Question 9

Jet streams

Answer 9

Narrow bends of high-speed winds that circle the Earth west to east.

Question 10

Heat

Answer 10

Energy that is transferred as a consequence of temperature difference.

Question 11

Temperature

Answer 11

A measure of energy in a random motion in a substance’s molecules.

Question 12

Thermosphere

Answer 12

The region of the atmosphere above an altitude of roughly 460 kilometers (286 miles) above sea level.

Question 13

Ionosphere

Answer 13

The region of the atmosphere between the altitudes of roughly 65 kilometers (40 miles) and 330 kilometers (205 miles) above sea level.