The Atmospheric System Flashcards
What is the natural greenhouse effect?
A process where certain gases in the atmosphere trap thermal infrared energy, raising the Earth’s average surface temperature to about 15 °C.
This effect is essential for life, as it keeps the planet warm enough to support ecosystems.
What are the four main sections of the atmosphere?
- Troposphere
- Stratosphere
- Mesosphere
- Thermosphere
Each section has distinct characteristics and functions within the atmospheric system.
What percentage of the atmosphere is nitrogen?
78%
The remaining composition includes 21% oxygen and 1% argon and water vapor.
What is the height of the Troposphere?
Just beyond 10 km.
This is the most turbulent zone of the atmosphere, containing weather systems.
What is the primary role of ozone in the Stratosphere?
To absorb ultraviolet light that is harmful to plants and animals.
Ozone is formed from the disassociation of oxygen molecules due to ultraviolet radiation.
What is the Energy Budget?
The flow between energy that enters and leaves the Earth’s system, requiring a balance for stable temperature.
This balance is known as radiative equilibrium.
What percentage of incoming solar radiation is reflected back to space?
29%
This reflection occurs through clouds, atmospheric particles, and bright surfaces.
How much of the insolation is absorbed by the atmosphere?
23%
This absorption allows 48% to reach and be absorbed by the Earth’s surface.
What is the main way heat is transferred from the Earth’s surface to the atmosphere?
- Evaporation (25%)
- Convection (5%)
- Thermal infrared radiation (5-6%)
The processes include latent heat release during condensation and warm air rising due to buoyancy.
What are Greenhouse Gases?
Gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane that trap thermal infrared energy in the atmosphere.
They are crucial for the natural greenhouse effect.
True or False: The Mesosphere is characterized by higher density and temperature compared to the Troposphere.
False
The Mesosphere has lower density and temperature than the Troposphere.
Fill in the blank: The upper part of the atmosphere is called the _______.
Thermosphere
This section extends up to around 600 km.
What happens to greenhouse gas molecules when they absorb thermal infrared energy?
Their temperature rises, causing them to radiate increased amounts of thermal infrared energy.
This contributes to the warming of the Earth’s surface.
What is the significance of the Troposphere in relation to weather?
It contains weather systems created by variations in temperature, pressure, and humidity.
The Troposphere is the smallest layer but contains the most mass.
What is the main reason for the temperature increase in the Thermosphere?
Nitrogen and oxygen molecules absorb ultraviolet light, leading to disassociation.
The resulting atoms cannot radiate this heat, causing a rise in atmospheric temperature.
What is radiative equilibrium?
The state of balance where incoming energy equals outgoing energy.
This is necessary for the Earth’s temperature to remain stable.
