All Flashcards
What is the role of nitrogen in the atmosphere?
It is the most abundant gas, making up the main structural component of the atmosphere.
Why is oxygen essential for life?
It is produced by photosynthesis and is necessary for respiration in most organisms.
How does water vapor affect weather patterns?
It contributes to humidity, cloud formation, and precipitation.
How do greenhouse gases contribute to global warming?
They trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures.
How does the ozone layer protect life on Earth?
It absorbs harmful UV radiation from the sun.
How does altitude affect temperature in the troposphere?
Temperature generally decreases with increasing altitude.
Why does temperature increase with altitude in the stratosphere?
Due to the absorption of UV radiation by the ozone layer.
What causes the aurora borealis and australis?
Trapped ions and particles from the sun interacting with the atmosphere in the thermosphere and exosphere.
What is the role of the thermosphere?
It traps ions and particles from the sun, and its temperature increases with altitude due to solar radiation.
Where do satellites orbit?
In the exosphere, the outermost layer of the atmosphere.
What is denitrification?
The process by which nitrogen is released back into the atmosphere.
What is photosynthesis?
The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, producing oxygen.
What are greenhouse gases?
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
What is the ozone layer?
A region in the stratosphere that absorbs harmful UV radiation.
What are CFCs?
Chlorofluorocarbons; substances that deplete the ozone layer.
What is the troposphere?
The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, where weather occurs.
What is the stratosphere?
The atmospheric layer above the troposphere, containing the ozone layer.
What is the mesosphere?
The atmospheric layer above the stratosphere, characterized by decreasing temperature with altitude.
What is the thermosphere?
The atmospheric layer above the mesosphere, characterized by increasing temperature with altitude.
What is the exosphere?
The outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere, merging with space.
What is the role of nitrogen in the atmosphere?
It is the most abundant gas, serving as the atmosphere's main structural component.
Why is oxygen essential for life?
It is necessary for respiration and is produced by photosynthesis.
How does water vapor affect weather patterns?
It contributes to humidity, cloud formation, and precipitation.
What is the impact of increased greenhouse gases?
They trap more heat, leading to increased global temperatures and climate change.
How does the ozone layer protect life on Earth?
It absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Why does temperature increase with altitude in the stratosphere?
Due to the absorption of UV radiation by the ozone layer.
What causes temperature to decrease with altitude in the troposphere?
As air rises, it expands and cools due to decreasing pressure.
What is the significance of the thermosphere?
It traps ions and particles from the sun, contributing to phenomena like auroras.
What is the role of the exosphere?
It is the interface between Earth's atmosphere and outer space, where satellites orbit.
How do human activities affect the concentration of greenhouse gases?
Burning fossil fuels, agriculture, and industrial processes release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.