chapter16
Calculate the noon angle of the Sun (from overhead vertical) at Jacksonville, FL (latitude 30ºN) on March 21-22. 23.5º 0º 53.5º 66.5º 6.5º 30º
30
Calculate the noon angle of the Sun (from overhead vertical) at Jacksonville, FL (latitude 30ºN) on December 21-22 23.5º 0º 6.5º 66.5º 53.5º 30º
53.5
The normal environmental lapse rate in the troposphere is about ________ per kilometer. 1.5°C 6.5°C 3.5°C 9.5°C
6.5°C
Which of the following has a latitude of 0≡? North Pole Arctic Circle the Tropic of Cancer the Equator the Tropic of Capricorn the Antarctic Circle the South Pole
Equator
The fall equinox in the Southern Hemisphere occurs on this date. June 21 September 21 December 21 March 21
March 21
At what time of year is the Earth is closest to the Sun in its orbit around the Sun? near the first day of winter in December in early April in early September in early July in early January
early janurary
Which of the following is the electromagnetic radiation with the least energy? x-rays ultraviolet (UV) visible infrared
infrared
Which rays of the electromagnetic spectrum then transfer the energy recieved from the Sun by the Earth's surface back into the atmosphere? (Hint: our skin feels these types of rays as heat) amma microwaves x-rays ultraviolet infrared
infrared
The greenhouse effect raises Earth's surface temperature (from what it would be otherwise) because the infrared light radiated by Earth's surface __________. travels directly out to space becomes permanently trapped by greenhouse gases is temporarily absorbed by greenhouse gases and then reemitted in random directions
is temporarily absorbed by greenhouse gases and then reemitted in random directions
By volume, dry air is 21%
oxygen
Ozone is concentrated in the ________. mesosphere stratosphere troposphere ionosphere
stratosphere
Which of the following has a latitude of 23½º N? North Pole Arctic Circle the Tropic of Cancer the Equator the Tropic of Capricorn the Antarctic Circle the South Pole
the Tropic of Cancer
On Earth, what causes the development of winds, ocean circulation patterns, and weather? rotation of Earth on its axis gravitational attraction of Earth to the Sun unequal heating of Earth's surface by the Sun volcanism position of Earth in its revolution around the Sun
unequal heating of Earth's surface by the Sun
Which of the following help explain why cities can often become urban heat islands when compared with surrounding rural areas? Water tends to cool more slowly than land. Industry releases waste heat. City structures radiate heat. Anthropogenic pollutants trap heat energy. Buildings and pavement absorb heat.
Industry releases waste heat. City structures radiate heat. Anthropogenic pollutants trap heat energy. Buildings and pavement absorb heat.
If the inclination of Earth's axis were increased, which of the following would be a result? The Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn would be closer to the poles, expanding the region between them where the Sun's rays strike Earth vertically between solstices. The Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn would be closer to the equator, shrinking the region between them where the Sun's rays strike Earth vertically between solstices. An increase in the inclination of Earth's axis would cause a decrease in seasonality. The locations of the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn would not change, so the region between them, where the Sun's rays strike Earth vertically between solstices, would not change. It would cause the occurrence of the summer and winter solstices to be reversed in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn would be closer to the poles, expanding the region between them where the Sun's rays strike Earth vertically between solstices.
The Summer Solstice occurs in the Southern Hemisphere when the Sun is directly overhead the North Pole. the Tropic of Cancer 23½º N. the Equator. the Tropic of Capricorn 23½º S. the South Pole.
the Tropic of Capricorn 23½º S.
The Winter Solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere when the Sun is directly overhead the North Pole. the Tropic of Cancer 23½º N. the Equator. the Tropic of Capricorn 23½º S. the South Pole.
the Tropic of Capricorn 23½º S.
On a spring break vacation you decide to visit Denver, Colorado. Then you head south to visit some friends in Phoenix, Arizona. While on the drive you notice that the temperature is increasing along the route. How do you explain this? the proximity to the ocean the fact that water cools more slowly than land the change in elevation the change in latitude the change in longitude
the change in elevation
The temperature in the stratosphere generally increases as altitude increases because the stratosphere absorbs solar visible radiation. the stratosphere absorbs solar infrared radiation. the stratosphere absorbs solar UV radiation. the stratosphere absorbs terrestrial visible radiation. the stratosphere absorbs terrestrial infrared radiation. the stratosphere absorbs terrestrial UV radiation.
the stratosphere absorbs solar UV radiation.
Which of the following are significant controls on temperature at a given location? geographic location cloud cover ocean currents elevation
geographic location cloud cover ocean currents elevation
Check all that apply. If a surface has a high albedo, it is a poor reflector a good reflector a good absorber a poor absorber
good reflector good absorber
Which of the following is the electromagnetic radiation with the longest wavelength? x-rays ultraviolet (UV) visible infrared microwave radio
radio
Siberia, the largest region in Russia, experiences an annual temperature range of 140°F (-70°F to 70°F), the greatest on Earth. What causes this extreme range of annual temperature? proximity to warm ocean currents seasonal variation in amounts of solar radiation elevation variation in thermal properties of land and water
seasonal variation in amounts of solar radiation
How much of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation reaches Earth's surface? some of the ultraviolet radiation none of the ultraviolet radiation almost all of the ultraviolet radiation most of the ultraviolet radiation
some of the ultraviolet radiation
The Summer Solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere when the Sun is directly overhead the North Pole. the Tropic of Cancer 23½º N. the Equator. the Tropic of Capricorn 23½º S. the South Pole.
the Tropic of Cancer 23½º N.
The Winter Solstice occurs in the Southern Hemisphere when the Sun is directly overhead the North Pole. the Tropic of Cancer 23½º N. the Equator. the Tropic of Capricorn 23½º S. the South Pole.
the Tropic of Cancer 23½º N.
Which of the following has a latitude of 66½º N? North Pole Arctic Circle the Tropic of Cancer the Equator the Tropic of Capricorn the Antarctic Circle the South Pole
Arctic Circle
Calculate the noon angle of the Sun (from overhead vertical) at Jacksonville, FL (latitude 30ºN) on June 21-22. 30º 66.5º 6.5º 0º 23.5º
6.5º
On the equinoxes, the vertical rays of the Sun strike Earth at which location? at the Tropic of Cancer at the Antarctic Circle at the Arctic Circle at the Tropic of Capricorn at the equator
@ the equator
Where does the length of day remain the same throughout the year? nowhere at the Tropic of Cancer at the Tropic of Capricorn at the North Pole at the equator at the South Pole
@the equator
The following cities are at the same latitude. All else being equal, which city would you expect to have the HIGHEST minimum temperature on a winter night? City A is on the coast, at sea-level and cloudless. City B is on the coast, at sea level and covered by stratocumulus clouds. City C is in the continental interior, at sea level and cloudless. City D is in the continental interior, at sea level and covered by stratocumulus clouds. City E is in the continental interior, at 2000 m elevation and cloudless.
City B is on the coast, at sea level and covered by stratocumulus clouds.
Which of the following characteristics of Earth's relationship to the Sun explains the existence of Earth's seasons? Earth has a satellite called the Moon, which rotates around Earth. Earth orbits around the Sun, completing one orbit each year. Earth's axis always points in the same direction relative to the stars. Earth's axis is tilted relative to its orbital plan
Earth orbits around the Sun, completing one orbit each year. Earth's axis always points in the same direction relative to the stars. Earth's axis is tilted relative to its orbital plan
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. It is returned upward in the form of visible light. It makes the ground continually get hotter and hotter.
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 is reflected by Earth's atmosphere. It is absorbed and reemitted by gases in Earth's atmosphere. It is completely reflected by Earth's surface. It reaches Earth's surface, where some is reflected and some is absorbed.
It reaches Earth's surface, where some is reflected and some is absorbed.
What is the fate of most solar energy (about 50% of the incoming solar radiation) when it enters Earth's atmosphere? t's reflected by land and ocean surfaces. It's reflected by clouds. It's reflected back into space by the atmosphere. It's absorbed by Earth's surface. It's backscattered to space by the atmosphere.
It's absorbed by Earth's surface.
The Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere occurs on March 21 - 22 June 21 - 22 September 21 - 22 December 21 - 22
June 21 - 22
The Autumnal Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere occurs on March 21 - 22 June 21 - 22 September 21 - 22 December 21 - 22
March 21 - 22
How do pressure and temperature change from Earth's surface to the top of the thermosphere? Pressure is greater at higher altitudes; temperature is highest in the innermost atmosphere. Pressure is greater at higher altitudes; temperature is lowest in the outer atmosphere. Pressure is lowest at higher altitudes; temperature is lowest in the innermost atmosphere. Pressure is lower at higher altitudes; temperature is highest in the outer atmosphere. Pressure is lower at higher altitudes; temperature is lowest in the outer atmosphere.
Pressure is lower at higher altitudes; temperature is highest in the outer atmosphere.
The longest wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum are ________. gamma radio ultraviolet infrared
Radio
When do all locations on Earth experience equal lengths of day and night? June solstice December solstice September equinox March equinox
September equinox March equinox
Which situation would you expect to find in the air directly above an asphalt parking lot? More snow would accumulate on the asphalt parking lot than on the adjacent grassy areas. The air temperature above the parking lot would not be different from that above the surrounding grassy areas. The air temperature above the parking lot would be cool. It would be extremely cloudy over the parking lot. The air temperature above the parking lot would be warm.
The air temperature above the parking lot would be warm.
During the last glacial maximum, continental ice sheets covered roughly the northern third of the Northern Hemisphere. What did this do to Earth's albedo? he albedo of the Earth remained constant under glacial conditions. The albedo of the Earth increased. The albedo of the Earth decreased. Continental ice sheets emitted radiant energy. Continental ice sheets absorbed solar energy.
The albedo of the Earth increased.
On a day with half cloud cover, what happens to the visible light headed toward Earth? The clouds reflect some of it back to space, and some still reaches the surface. It is absorbed by the clouds, which causes the clouds to heat up. It reaches the surface just as it does on a cloudless day.
The clouds reflect some of it back to space, and some still reaches the surface.
What is the length of daylight associated with the equinox at the equator and the poles? he length of daylight is 0 hours at the equator and 12 hours at the poles. The length of daylight is 12 hours at the equator and 0 hours at the poles. The length of daylight is 12 hours at the equator and 24 hours at the poles. The length of daylight is 12 hours at the equator and 12 hours at the poles. The length of daylight is 24 hours at the equator and 12 hours at the poles.
The length of daylight is 12 hours at the equator and 12 hours at the poles.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and London, England, are both situated at approximately 51°N latitude. The winter climate in Calgary is much harsher than that experienced in London. Which is the most significant reason the two cities have such different climates? The marine location and influence of the warm North Atlantic Gyre ocean currents softens the winter climate in London so it is not as harsh as that experienced at Calgary. London is located in close proximity to the ocean, while Calgary is situated within the North American continent. Because London is at a lower elevation than Calgary, the climatic variation is not as great. London is a larger city than Calgary. Because London is thus a more intense urban heat island, it experiences much milder winters than Calgary. London is situated at a much lower longitude than Calgary.
The marine location and influence of the warm North Atlantic Gyre ocean currents softens the winter climate in London so it is not as harsh as that experienced at Calgary.
Check all that apply. Which of the following are true? The surface of the Sun is about 6000°K. The radiation from the Sun's surface peaks at visible wavelengths. The radiation from the Earth's surface peaks at infrared wavelengths. About 50% of the solar radiation hitting the top of Earth's atmosphere is absorbed by the Earth's surface. The lowest energy solar radiation is absorbed at the top of Earth's atmosphere.
The surface of the Sun is about 6000°K. The radiation from the Sun's surface peaks at visible wavelengths. The radiation from the Earth's surface peaks at infrared wavelengths. About 50% of the solar radiation hitting the top of Earth's atmosphere is absorbed by the Earth's surface.
Check all that apply. Which of the following is true? The temperature at the Earth's surface is cooler on a cloudy day than a cloudless day. The temperature at the Earth's surface is warmer on a cloudy day than a cloudless day. The temperature at the Earth's surface is warmer on a cloudy night than a cloudless night. The temperature at the Earth's surface is cooler on a cloudy night than a cloudless night.
The temperature at the Earth's surface is cooler on a cloudy day than a cloudless day. The temperature at the Earth's surface is warmer on a cloudy night than a cloudless night.
How does the inclination of Earth's axis change over the course of a year? The tilt changes and direction of Earth's axis traces an oval over the fixed stars. The tilt of Earth's axis becomes steeper. The tilt of Earth's axis becomes shallower. The tilt and direction of Earth's axis does not change. The tilt does not change but the direction of Earth's axis traces an oval over the fixed stars.
The tilt and direction of Earth's axis does not change.
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 low albedo, causing a lower inside temperature. It would absorb most of the incoming visible light, thus keeping the inside of the house cooler. The white or light-colored roof would have a high albedo, causing a lower temperature inside. The white or light-colored roof would allow any accumulated snow to slide off. The white or light-colored roof would be easier to keep clean, as the dirt would show up better.
The white or light-colored roof would have a high albedo, causing a lower temperature inside.
Which of the following has a latitude of 23½º S? North Pole Arctic Circle the Tropic of Cancer the Equator the Tropic of Capricorn the Antarctic Circle the South Pole
Tropic of Capricorn
How is ozone formed in the stratosphere? Ultraviolet radiation breaks apart carbon dioxide into carbon and two oxygen atoms. Individual oxygen atoms then bond with paired oxygen molecules to form ozone (three oxygen atoms). Ultraviolet radiation breaks apart molecules made up of two oxygen atoms. Individual oxygen atoms then bond with paired oxygen molecules to form ozone (three oxygen atoms). Ultraviolet radiation breaks apart water vapor into oxygen and two hydrogen atoms. Individual oxygen atoms then bond with paired oxygen molecules to form ozone (three oxygen atoms). Ultraviolet radiation breaks apart water vapor into oxygen and two hydrogen atoms. Individual oxygen atoms then bond with paired water molecules to form ozone.
Ultraviolet radiation breaks apart molecules made up of two oxygen atoms. Individual oxygen atoms then bond with paired oxygen molecules to form ozone (three oxygen atoms).
Climbing to the top of Mt. Whitney in California, what would you expect to happen to the temperature on the mountain as you ascend? You would experience an increase in temperature as you climb. The temperature would increase, caused by the magma residing within the volcano. You would experience a decrease in temperature as you climb. Any temperature change would depend solely on the weather. You would experience no change in temperature as you climb.
You would experience a decrease in temperature as you climb.
What is ozone? a molecule made up of two oxygen atoms a molecule made up of one oxygen atom a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms a molecule made up of four oxygen atoms
a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms
What factors control temperature variation around the globe? altitude ocean currents distance from ocean cloud cover latitude
altitude ocean currents distance from ocean cloud cover latitude
Which Earth material has the lowest albedo? acean water glaciers thick clouds bare earth
bare earth
The inclination of Earth's axis to the plane of the ecliptic causes the vertical rays of the Sun to migrate between which two locations on Earth as it travels about its annual orbit? between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn between the spring and autumnal equinoxes between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn between the Arctic Circle and the Antarctic Circle between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer
between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn
Check all that apply. Which of the following make up less than 1% (by volume) of the troposphere? nitrogen oxygen carbon dioxide methane argon
carbon dioxide methane argon
Which surface would have the highest albedo? ocean surfaces basaltic lava flows coniferous forest an asphalt parking lot continental ice sheets and snow fields
continental ice sheets and snow fields
When are the Sun's rays perpendicular to Earth's surface at the equator? during the June and December solstices during the September and March equinoxes during the June solstice and March equinox during the June solstice and September equinox
during the September and March equinoxes
At what time of year is the Earth is farthest from the Sun in its orbit around the Sun? in early July in early January in early September near the first day of winter in December in early April
early july
How does energy from the Sun reach Earth? electromagnetic radiation convection conduction subduction
electromagnetic radiation
Check all that apply. Which of the following statements about thermal electromagnetic radiation and heat transfer are correct? hot objects radiate more energy than cold objects all bodies with a temperature above absolute zero (0≡K) radiate thermal electromagnetic radiation radiation from a hotter object peaks at a shorter wavelength radiation from a colder object peaks at a longer wavelength a good absorber of radiation is a good emitter of radiation a good reflector of radiation is a good absorber of radiation an object radiates thermal electromagnetic radiation in all directions heat flows from a cold body to a hot body heat flows from a warm body to a cold body hot air rises cold air sinks
hot objects radiate more energy than cold objects all bodies with a temperature above absolute zero (0≡K) radiate thermal electromagnetic radiation radiation from a hotter object peaks at a shorter wavelength radiation from a colder object peaks at a longer wavelength a good absorber of radiation is a good emitter of radiation an object radiates thermal electromagnetic radiation in all directions heat flows from a warm body to a cold body hot air rises cold air sinks
The peak wavelengths of the radiation emitted by Earth are in ________ part of the electromagnetic spectrum. infrared radio ultraviolet visible
infrared
Check all that apply. At the same latitude, all else being equal, lands heats faster and to a higher temperature than water. land heats faster and to a lower temperature than water. land heats slower and to a lower temperature than water. land heats slower and to a higher temperature than water. land cools faster and to a higher temperature than water. land cools faster and to a lower temperature than water. land cools slower and to a higher temperature than water. land cools slower and to a higher temperature than water.
lands heats faster and to a higher temperature than water. land cools faster and to a lower temperature than water.
Incoming solar energy absorbed by Earth's surface is later released to the atmosphere as energy in what form? visible light longer wavelength microwave radiation longer wavelength infrared radiation shorter wavelength ultraviolet radiation shorter wavelength gamma radiation
longer wavelength infrared radiation
The Vernal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere occurs on March 21 - 22 June 21 - 22 September 21 - 22 December 21 - 22
march 21-22
In addition to water vapor (which is the most important greenhouse gas in the troposphere), which three of the gases listed below also have the ability to absorb outgoing terrestrial infrared radiation? carbon monoxide methane carbon dioxide argon nitrogen oxygen (ozone)
methane carbon dioxide oxygen/ozone
By volume, dry air is 78% nitrogen oxygen carbon dioxide methane water vapor
nitrogen
Which one of the following is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere today? carbon dioxide nitrogen argon oxygen
nitrogen
Which specific gas is most abundant in Earth's atmosphere? nitrogen carbon dioxide methane sulfur dioxide argon oxygen
nitrogen
If the tilt of Earth on its rotational axis were changed to vertical (perpendicular to the plane of orbit), how would that affect seasonality? no seasons would occur on Earth. No change would occur. Seasonality would increase. Seasonality would decrease.
no seasons
Which of the following has a latitude of 90≡N? North Pole Arctic Circle the Tropic of Cancer the Equator the Tropic of Capricorn the Antarctic Circle the South Pole
north pole
Which elements are the two main components of clean, dry air? oxygen carbon dioxide nitrogen argon sulfur dioxide
oxygen nitrogen
It is known that temperature increases as you ascend in the stratosphere. What compound is responsible for the increase in temperature? ater vapor sulfur dioxide methane oxygen / ozone carbon dioxide
oxygen/ozone
What is another name for the part of the atmosphere which contains the ozone layer? ozonosphere ionosphere stratosphere troposphere
ozonosphere
The temperature in the thermosphere generally increases as altitude increases because the thermosphere absorbs solar visible radiation. the thermosphere absorbs solar infrared radiation. the thermosphere absorbs the highest energy solar radiation. the thermosphere absorbs terrestrial visible radiation. the thermosphere absorbs terrestrial infrared radiation. the thermosphere absorbs the highest energy terrestrial radiation.
the thermosphere absorbs the highest energy solar radiation.
What is the December solstice? he time of the year when the Earth's geographic North and South Poles are leaning in similar ways toward the Sun. the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning toward the Sun the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning away from the Sun
the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning away from the Sun
What is the June solstice? The time of the year when Earth's geographic North and South Poles are leaning in similar ways toward the Sun the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning toward the Sun the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning away from the Sun
the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning toward the Sun
The temperature in the troposphere generally decreases as altitude increases because the troposphere absorbs solar visible radiation. the troposphere absorbs solar infrared radiation. the troposphere absorbs solar UV radiation. the troposphere absorbs terrestrial visible radiation. the troposphere absorbs terrestrial infrared radiation. the troposphere absorbs terrestrial UV radiation.
the troposphere absorbs terrestrial infrared radiation.
The tropopause is the boundary between ________. the stratosphere and mesosphere the troposphere and stratosphere the troposphere and mesosphere the troposphere and thermosphere
the troposphere and stratosphere
Which Earth material has the highest albedo? orest vegetation soot thick clouds ocean water rock
thick clouds
Which situation best describes the position of Earth's axis on December 21-22 in the Southern Hemisphere? tilted directly at the Sun tilted 23½º away from the Sun perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic tilted 23½º toward the Sun tilted less than 23½º toward the Sun
tilted 23½º toward the Sun
Which situation best describes the position of Earth's axis on June 21-22 in the Northern Hemisphere? perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic tilted 23½º away from the Sun tilted 23½º toward the Sun tilted directly at the Sun tilted less than 23½º toward the Sun
tilted 23½º toward the Sun
Almost all weather occurs in the ionosphere mesosphere stratopause stratosphere troposphere
troposphere
Most of Earth's weather activity takes place in which layer of the atmosphere? stratosphere mesosphere thermosphere troposphere
troposphere
The lowest layer of the atmosphere is the ________. stratosphere mesosphere troposphere ionosphere
troposphere
Which of the following terms describe vertical layers of the atmosphere? hydrosphere lithosphere asthenosphere troposphere mesophere thermosphere stratosphere ionosphere
troposphere mesophere thermosphere stratosphere ionosphere
Tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere are collectively called aerosols. true false
true
Ozone filters out most of the ________ radiation in sunlight. microwave gamma ultraviolet infrared
ultraviolet
Which rays of the electromagnetic spectrum are responsible for causing sunburn when you spend too much time in the sun at the beach? ultraviolet gamma infrared x-rays visible
ultraviolet
The electromagnetic radiation from the Sun peaks at which wavelengths? ultraviolet visible x-rays infrared
visible
Which of the following is the electromagnetic radiation with the highest energy? x-rays ultraviolet (UV) visible infrared microwave radio
x-rays
