the atmosphere Flashcards
how high does the atmosphere go?
560 km into space
what is the atmosphere made of?
gases (nitrogen, oxygen, water vapour, trace gases, solid particles)
what is the greenhouse effect?
the natural warming when gases in Earth’s atmosphere absorb thermal energy radiated by the Sun and Earth
why is the greenhouse effect important to life on Earth?
helps keep Earth’s temperature fluctuations within a certain range
what is wind?
the movement of air from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
how does wind affect ocean currents?
energy from the moving air is transferred to the surface of the water, causing the water to move
how does wind affect precipitation patterns?
as air masses of different densities interact, one air mass usually rises over the other. the rising air cools, and any water vapour in the air condenses to form precipitation
what are jet streams?
high altitude winds travelling long distances at very high speeds; can carry warm moist air (produces precipitation in areas far from area of origin); can carry dry cool air (causes dry weather in areas affected by jet stream)
