Weather Flashcards
What is the atmosphere
A layer of gas that surrounds the earth
Describe the Layers of the atmosphere
Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, Ionosphere
What is special about the Ionosphere
It merges with the Mesosphere and Thermosphere, and keeps radio waves from completely leaving the atmosphere
Describe the other components of the atmosphere
Air: Makes up most of the lower atmosphere, mostly of Oxygen and Nitrogen, CO2 and Argon Present, air thins as altitude increases, 99% of all air within 32 km of earth.
Water Vapor: Always present due to evaporation, mostly near the surface
What is the Ozone? What does it do?
Made of three oxygen atoms bonded together, made by UV rays striking paired oxygen breaking them apart, the single oxygen molecules bond with paired oxygen to form O3, ozone. Blocks 99% of UV radiation
What Causes ozone thinning?
CFC’s
What does dust do for the atmosphere
It helps to form rain and fog
Define Barometer
A tool that measures the atmospheric pressure
Define temperature
Measure of temperature in molecules
What temperature scales are used to measure temperature
What is evaporation
Change from a liquid to a gas
What is condensation
Forming water liquid when vapor contacts a cooler object
What are the forms of Condensation
- Contacting a cooler surface (dew)
2. Radiating heat
3. Mixing with cooler air (fog)
4. Expanding as air rises (clouds)
Q: What is specific humidity and capacity
What are hydrometers
Instrument for measuring relative humidity
