The Atmosphere

Question 1

Describe the ATMOSPHERE

Answer 1

The atmosphere is the:

• gaseous layer that surrounds the earth
• is made up of a mixture of oxygen, carbon dioxide & water vapour
• is held in place by the gravitational attraction of the planet
• extends 500kms above sea level

Question 2

5 billion years ago, there was no atmosphere around the earth. Describe how the atmosphere has developed since this time.

Answer 2

Volcanic eruptions began to occur on earth 5 billion years ago and the release of the volcanic gases from these eruptions and cooling led to the evolution of the atmosphere.

Question 3

How many layers are there in the earths atmosphere?

Answer 3

4

Question 4

Name the four layers of the earths atmosphere

Answer 4

1. Troposphere - starts at sea level
2. Stratosphere
3. Mesosphere
4. Thermosphere- the highest layer of the atmosphere

Question 5

Which layer of the atmosphere:

• Extends 80 kms above the earths surface
• Experiences temperatures as low as -90C
• Has the strongest wind velocity (as high as 3000km/hr) in the atmosphere

Answer 5

The MESOSPHERE

Question 6

What are the main features of the STRATOSPHERE?

Answer 6

• It is the layer of the earths atmosphere that lies above the troposphere
• It extends to about 50km above the earth’s surface
• The temperature within the stratosphere remains fairly constant but can rise in the upper regions of this layer due to absorption of ultraviolet radiation by ozone.

Question 7

What is the composition of the Atmosphere?

Answer 7

90% = Oxygen and Nitrogen
10% = other gases (Ozone & CO2) as well as pollutants & particulate matter

Question 8

Describe the THERMOSPHERE

Answer 8

The Thermosphere :

• Is considered the HOT layer because it contains the warmest temperatures in the atmosphere
• The temperature increases with height until the estimated top of the thermosphere at 500km

Question 9

What word best describes :
The day to day condition of the atmosphere at a particular place including changes in the : 
- temperature
- humidity
- wind
- precipitation
- windspeed
- clouds

Answer 9

WEATHER

Question 10

What is the definition CLIMATE

Answer 10

CLIMATE is the long term weather pattern for a place, based on average:

• latitude
• season
• aspect
• ocean currents
• closeness to the sea
• height above sea level

Question 11

What is the main force of energy to the sun?

Answer 11

The Sun