The Atmosphere

Question 1

What is the atmosphere composed of?

Answer 1

Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, Argon and H2O.

Question 2

How is the quantity of water vapour in the atmosphere measured?

Answer 2

It is humidity, measured as a % ranging from 0-4%.

Question 3

What is the atmosphere?

Answer 3

It is the layer of air surrounding the planet. It is made up of gasses.

Question 4

What does the atmosphere do?

Answer 4

It acts as a shield against harmful UV rays and also regulates the planet’s climate.

Question 5

Explain atmospheric pressure.

Answer 5

The particles in the air collide; the more they collide, the higher the pressure in the atmosphere. Measured in kPa, normal is 101.3 kPa.

Question 6

Why is there less atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes?

Answer 6

There is less collisions since the air is less dense.

Question 7

How would a warm temperature affect the density of air and the atmospheric pressure?

Answer 7

When it is hotter, the particles collide more so the density decreases, so the pressure decreases, since the particles are more spread out and rising.

Question 8

Why do cold temperatures result in higher pressure?

Answer 8

Cold air is more dense so it sinks towards the planet, thus exerting more pressure on the planet.

Question 9

What is the cycle of air circulation around the globe called?

Answer 9

Convection.

Question 10

What has an effect on the trajectories of air currents around the globe (atmospheric circulation)?

Answer 10

The rotation of the Earth.

Question 11

What are prevailing winds?

Answer 11

They are atmospheric currents that blow in a certain direction based on atmospheric circulation.

Question 12

How do prevailing winds happen?

Answer 12

Winds form loops called circulation cells based on their latitude, the air movement inside these cells is regular and creates prevailing winds.

Question 13

What is an air mass?

Answer 13

It is a region of the atmosphere with the same temperature and humidity.

Question 14

What is a cold front?

Answer 14

It is when a cold air mass moves into a warm air mass. The cold air passes under the warm air mass.

Question 15

What is a warm front?

Answer 15

It is when a warm air mass moves into a cold air mass. The warm air goes over the cold air.

Question 16

What do we get out of a cold front?

Answer 16

High pressure, since the warm air rises and the cold air sinks. Precipitation because the moisture in the air cools, resulting in condensation that forms dense clouds, winds and heavy precipitation. (STORMY)

Question 17

What do we get out of a warm front?

Answer 17

Low pressure, since the warm air rises above the cold air. This creates small, light clouds which result in scattered showers.

Question 18

What do we get out of a high pressure system?

Answer 18

Cloudless weather, no precipitation.

Question 19

What do we get out of a low pressure system?

Answer 19

Heavy clouds, precipitation.

Question 20

What is a depression?

Answer 20

The empty space where a warm air mass was (becomes a low pressure area).

Question 21

What is an anticyclone?

Answer 21

Denser, colder, heavy air which creates a high pressure area.

Question 22

What is hurting the greenhouse effect?

Answer 22

The surplus of greenhouse gasses we are emitting through the combustion of fossil fuels.

Question 23

What contaminates the atmosphere?

Answer 23

Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides because they contaminate the atmosphere. CFCs which destry the Ozone layer. Dust and other particles from chimneys and exhaust pipes.

Question 24

What is ozone?

Answer 24

3 oxygen atoms bonded together.

Question 25

How is smog created?

Answer 25

When sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide and other contaminants react with ozone, we get smog.