TOPIC 3: What is the Earth's Atmosphere? Flashcards
Atmosphere
The gas that surrounds the Earth
Troposphere
The lowest level of Earth’s atmosphere
Tropopause
The outer edge of the troposphere where most air molecules and water vapor will not cross
Stratosphere
The second layer of atmosphere where aeroplanes travel
Ozone layer
A layer of O3 (trioxygen) that absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation from the Sun
Ultraviolet radiation
A wavelength range of the Sun’s radiation that provides humans with vitamin D and sun tans
Infrared radiation
A wavelength range of the Sun’s radiation that is absorbed by matter to generate heat
Air mass
A large parcel or air in the atmosphere. All parts of the air mass have a similar temperature and moisture content at ground level
Continental
Moisture content in an air mass which is drier as it has travelled over land
Maritime
Moisture content in an air mass which is wetter as it has travelled over water
Polar
Temperature of an air mass which is cold as it has come from northern cooler regions
Tropical
Temperature of an air mass which is warm as it has come from southern hotter regions
Weather front
A boundary separating two masses of air of different densities
Depression
A weather system associated with low pressure bringing rain and windy conditions
Anticyclone
A high pressure system associated with dry, settled periods of weather
