Unit 1 - AOS1 - Other earths spheres

Question 1

Atmosphere definition

Answer 1

The gaseous envelope of air that is held close to the earth’s surface by gravity

Question 2

Troposphere

Answer 2

• 15km
• Composed of nitrogen, o2, argon and co2
• Because of gravity (pull on particles)–> air is most dense
• Where visible clouds form and weather takes place

Question 3

Stratosphere

Answer 3

• 35km
• Ozone is abundant (Ozone layer)
• Ozone Layer: Absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth from the sun

Question 4

Mesosphere

Answer 4

• 30km
• Where meteors are seen
• Not a lot is known about it –> hard place to study

Question 5

Thermosphere

Answer 5

• 470km
• Includes ionosphere (layer of ionized air, ion = positive or negative charge)
• Layer where satellites, space shuttles and auroras (reflection of ions) are found

Question 6

Order of the layers of the atmosphere

Answer 6

TSMT

1. Troposphere
2. Stratosphere (+ ozone layer)
3. Mesosphere
4. Thermosphere (+ ionosphere)

Question 7

Trends –> as you move further away from earths surface:

Answer 7

• Temperature increases
• Air pressure increases
• Air density decreases

Question 8

When does solar energy become visible light and infrared light (heat)?

Answer 8

at the troposphere –> ozone layer

Question 9

How much solar radiation is reflected from earths surface back to atmosphere?

Answer 9

66%

Question 10

Weather

Answer 10

Is day to day changes in conditions of atmosphere

Question 11

Climate

Answer 11

is average weather conditions of a place over time (many years)

Question 12

What are the 4 spheres on earth?

Answer 12

1. Biosphere
2. Atmosphere
3. Lithosphere
4. Hydrosphere

Question 13

Biosphere definition

Answer 13

Living matter on earth, including all plant and animal life

Question 14

Biota definition

Answer 14

A collective term for all living things

Question 15

What are the 3 things that influence the number and variety of life for aquatic environments?

Answer 15

depth, temperature, salinity

Question 16

What are the specific Parts of the hydrosphere and types?

Answer 16

• Oceans, Lakes, Ponds, Streams, Rivers and water vapor
• Present as fresh, brackish or salt water

Question 17

What is the density of frozen water and what does it do?

Answer 17

Frozen water is less dense –> making it float

This creates a insulating barrier, preventing the water below from freezing.