The Atmosphere Flashcards
Why is water vapor an important compound to air?
Because it’s responsible for cloud formation and precipitation, (it also contains suspended solid particles that come from the surface of the Earth)
What is the atmosphere?
The layer of air surrounding the Earth.
The atmosphere is made up of gases that are necessary for what? (Name 2 things)
- Acting as a shield against UV rays
2. Retaining heat to ensure a stable climate on Earth
What 3 gases does the atmosphere include?
- Oxygen
- Carbon dioxide
- Water vapour
Why does air exert a pressure?
Because it contains particles that are colliding with one another, (the more collisions, the higher atmospheric pressure).
How can atmospheric pressure be measured?
By using barometer.
What 2 things does atmospheric pressure depend on?
- Height of a place above sea level
2. Gravity with an increase in altitude
What happens at higher altitude?
The density and temperature of the air are decreasing, so the number of the collisions are decreasing, thus the pressure is decreasing.
What 2 things cause air movement?
- Convection, (circulation cells)
2. Temperature variations
What happens to the moving air around the Earth?
It rises above the equator, heads towards the poles, then sinks to dry regions.
What’s happening at the same time as the Earth rotates?
Convection: the cold polar air makes its way to the equator.
What happens to the air during atmospheric circulation?
Air masses move in a straight line, (north to south and vise versa) but since the Earth rotates, it changes their trajectories.
ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION: What are prevailing winds?
Major atmospheric currents that blow in a certain direction given by the atmospheric circulation.
How are prevailing winds created?
Air movement within the cells.
What will effect how air pollutants disperse?
Prevailing winds.
What are air masses?
Large regions of the atmosphere with uniform temperature and humidity.
What can change the weather?
Winds.
The warm air masses in Quebec come from where?
Tropical regions.
The cold air masses in Quebec come from where?
Polar regions.
What is a front?
Where air masses meet.
What happens when 2 air masses meet?
The cold air slides under the hot air.
What’s a warm front?
Warm air mass moving into a cold mass.
What’s a cold front?
High pressure air mass moving into a warm mass.
What happens to the moisture in the air as it cools?
Condensation and precipitation.
When does precipitation occur?
When the air is warm because it rises and encourages cloud formation.
What type of clouds form when a warm front forms?
Lousy clouds, (since there’s low pressure).
What type of clouds form when a cold front forms?
Fluffy clouds, (since there’s high pressure).
When does air sink?
When the air cools, (high density).
When does air rise?
When the air warms, (low density).
What happens when there’s a depression?
It’s when the air warms, because the air mass becomes lighter and rises, which leaves an empty space under it, (low pressure) which causes clouds and precipitation.
What’s anticyclone?
The cold air sinks and makes high pressure, (the area of high pressure is called an anti-cyclone),
Why does anticyclone make the weather happy?
It’s when the air cools and the pressure is high so there are no clouds.
What pressure systems are associated with clouds and precipitation?
Low-pressure systems.
What are high pressure systems associated with?
Normally with dry weather and mostly clear skies with fluffy light clouds.
What type of weather is it if there’s low pressure?
Lousy weather.
Where do strong depressions form?
Over warm waters of tropical oceans.
What happens when a cyclone/hurricane/etc forms?
A huge spiral with heavy winds form.
What’s the purpose of the greenhouse effect?
It’s a natural process that allows the Earth to keep in some of the heat it receives from the sun.
What are the 4 greenhouse gases in our atmosphere?
- Water Vapour
- Carbon Dioxide
- Methane
- Nitrous oxide
What do we use fossil fuels for?
Energy production.
What negative consequence would occur if we didn’t have the greenhouse effect?
The Earth would be extremely cold.
How does the greenhouse effect work?
Most of the sun’s rays are absorbed by the surface, some infrared rays are shot back into space, and some infrared rays are absorbed into the atmosphere.
For thousands of years, the amount of greenhouse gases remained constant. How?
CO2 was emitted by volcanic eruptions and cellular respiration and was balanced by photosynthesis.
What 3 human activities emit too many greenhouse gases?
- Transportation of Fossil Fuels
- Production of Fossil Fuels
- Red meat
What contributes to climate change?
Global Warming.
What 2 things play a role in acid rain?
- Sulphur dioxide (SOx)
2. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
What 3 metals come from the combustion of fossil fuels, burning garbage, and glass making?
They’re all toxic to humans
- Mercury
- Arsenic
- Lead
What’s the element of the Ozone?
03
What is the ozone layer?
A chemical filter that absorbs UV rays.
What’s smog?
Ozone that chemically combines with sulphur dioxide or nitrogen dioxide, (a mixture of fog, smoke, and other air pollutants).
When is ozone harmful towards us?
At low altitudes.
What are the 2 advantages of wind energy?
- Renewable
2. No emissions
What are the 2 disadvantages of wind energy?
- Weather dependant
2. Ugly
How do wind turbines work?
Huge machines with gigantic blades. When the wind rotates the blades, it activates an electric generator hidden in the nacelle.
What’s passive heating systems?
It naturally heats the air.
What’s photovoltaiccells?
Solar panels. When sunlight hits the material, it allows electrons to move which makes an electric current.
What’s solar collectors?
Glass panels that capture heat to warm up the air, homes, etc.
What are the 2 advantages to solar panels?
- Renewable
2. Zero-emissions
What are the 3 disadvantages to solar panels?
- Expensive
- Ugly
- Sun dependent
