Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography - Earth's Atmosphere

Flashcards about Earth's Atmosphere.

Air Pressure

Highest at the surface, decreases with altitude.

Exosphere

Extends from 480 km to 32,000 km above the Earth's surface.

Heterosphere

Atmospheric layer from 80 km to ~480 km with distinct layers due to gravity (H2, He2 at the top; N2, O2 in the lower part).

Homosphere

Atmospheric layer from 0 to ~80 km with a uniformly mixed composition (except for Ozone).

Ozone Layer

Located within the stratosphere (19 km to ~50 km), contains a concentration of ozone (O3).

Troposphere

The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, from the surface up to 18 km. Contains 90% of the atmosphere's mass.

Normal Lapse Rate

The average cooling rate in the troposphere: 6.4°C/km.

Environmental Lapse Rate

The actual local lapse rate, which can vary.

Stratosphere

Atmospheric layer from 18 km to 50 km, temperature increases with altitude due to ozone absorption of UV radiation.

Mesosphere

Atmospheric layer from 50 km to 80 km, temperature decreases with altitude.

Thermosphere

Outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere, from 80 km outwards, temperature increases with altitude due to direct contact with high-energy solar radiation.

Ionosphere

Atmospheric layer from 50 km outwards that absorbs cosmic rays, gamma rays, X-rays, and some UV rays.

Ozonosphere

Located within the stratosphere (19 km to 50 km), ozone (O3) absorbs UV energy and converts it to heat.

Anthropogenic Pollution

Pollution resulting from human activities, like transportation and industry.

Photochemical Smog

A type of air pollution caused by reactions between sunlight, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds.

Industrial Smog

Air pollution associated with industrial activity, containing sulfur oxides and particulates.

Acid Rain

Wet and dry deposition from the atmosphere containing higher than normal amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids.

Temperature Inversion

A reversal of the normal decrease of air temperature with altitude, causing warmer air to trap cooler air below.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

An index for reporting daily air quality, indicating levels of health concern.

Clean Air Act (CAA)

Legislation in 1970, 1977, and 1990 aimed at controlling air pollution and protecting air quality.