Chapter 16

Which parameter is used to define the four layers of Earth's atmosphere?

Temperature.

A global awareness of a need to decrease the amount of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) occurring in the atmosphere came about in the 1970s and 1980s. Observation of which of the following conditions led to this awareness?

A decrease in the amount of ozone over Antarctica in September to October every year.

Which specific gas is most abundant in Earth's atmosphere?

Nitrogen.

Where does the length of day remain the same throughout the year?

At the equator.

Which gas in Earth's atmosphere has a significant role in the heating of the atmosphere?

Carbon Dioxide.

In addition to water vapor, which gas has the ability to absorb heat energy?

Carbon dioxide.

Which surface would have the highest albedo?

Continental ice sheets and snow fields.

You notice that the isobars on a weather map are closely spaced together. This situation indicated that which of the following conditions are likely to occur?

High winds will occur.

Which represents the point in Earth's revolution around the Sun when it is at aphelion?

In early July.

Which rays of the electromagnetic spectrum are useful in weather forecasting?

Infared.

Which rays of the electromagnetic spectrum do we feel as heat is transferred between Earth and the atmosphere?

Infared.

The greenhouse effect raises Earth's surface temperature because the infrared light radiated by Earth's surface __________.

Is temporarily absorbed by greenhouse gases and then reemitted in random directions.

If the tilt of Earth on its rotational axis were changed to vertical, how would that affect seasonality?

No seasonality would occur on Earth.

It is known that temperature increases as you ascend in the stratosphere. What compound is responsible for the increase in temperature?

Ozone.

Which component of Earth's atmosphere is NOT a primary pollutant?

Ozone.

As the angle of the Sun's rays striking Earth flattens out at a particular location, how does this affect the amount of solar heating at that location?

Solar rays are more spread out and less intense.

Acid rain in the northeast, which accelerates the weathering of rock and the deterioration and corrosion of paint, and which of the following substances?

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.

Typically, roofs on houses in the tropics are white. What advantage does this provide to the inhabitants?

The white or light-colored roof would have a high albedo, causing a lower temperature inside.

On Earth, what causes the development of winds, ocean circulation patterns, and weather?

Unequal heating of Earth's surface.

In the symbols used on a weather map, which component of the station model is the only one that may not be found in exactly the same position for each station?

Wind direction.

Which two gases are the primary components of clean, dry air?

-Oxygen -Nitrogen

How much of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation reaches Earth's surface?

Little of the ultraviolet radiation.

Which sequence correctly lists the four layers in Earth's atmosphere from closest to farthest from the surface?

Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere.

When are the Sun's rays perpendicular to Earth's surface at the equator?

-September Equinox -March Equinox

What is ozone?

A molecule made up of three oxygen atoms.

How is ozone produced in Earth's atmosphere by combustion of petroleum products?

A reaction occurs between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds when exposed to sunlight near Earth's surface.

Which of the following areas experiences the highest annual temperature range?

Central Asia.

What is the most common result when heat radiation is released from Earth?

Certain gases in the atmosphere absorb the heat.

What happens to the energy that the ground absorbs in the form of visible sunlight?

It is returned upward in the form of infrared light.

On a cloudless day, what happens to most of the visible light headed toward Earth?

It reaches Earth's surface, where some is reflected and some is absorbed.

Incoming solar energy absorbed by Earth's surface is later released to the atmosphere as energy in what form?

Longer wavelength infrared radiation.

Which is NOT one of the variable components of Earth's atmosphere?

Oxygen.

How does the inclination of Earth's axis change over the course of a year?

The inclination of Earth's axis does not change.

What would happen to the oxygen atoms in ozone if the ozone layer were completely destroyed by ultraviolet radiation?

The oxygen atoms would be bound together in pairs.

If the numbers indicated by isobars on a weather map are increasing toward the center of the weather system, which is moving toward you, what type of weather would you expect in the next few days?

This indicated a high-pressure system, so good weather will follow.

When considered by weight percent, what is the principal source for the majority of primary pollutants in Earth's atmosphere?

Transportation.

Most of Earth's weather activity takes place in which layer of the atmosphere?

Troposphere.

How is ozone formed in the stratosphere?

Ultraviolet radiation breaks apart molecules made up of paired oxygen atoms. Individual oxygen atoms bond with paired oxygen molecules to form ozone.

How does ultraviolet radiation cause ozone depletion?

Ultraviolet radiation breaks down CFC, a molecule containing chlorine. Chlorine then breaks one oxygen atom away from ozone, leaving behind a paired oxygen molecule.

Visible light that radiates from the Sun travels through the atmosphere in all colors of the spectrum. Why is the sky blue?

Visible light of blue wavelength is shorter and is scattered more by the atmosphere, making it appear blue.