Unit 4 Apes review

What are the major gases in the Earth's atmosphere and their relative abundances?

Nitrogen (~78%), Oxygen (~21%), Argon (~0.93%), Water Vapor (~0-4%), Carbon Dioxide (~0.04%).

What are the layers of the atmosphere based on temperature gradients?

Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, Exosphere.

What occurs in the troposphere?

Weather occurs here, and it is the most dense layer.

What is the significance of the ozone layer in the stratosphere?

It absorbs harmful UVA and UVC rays that can mutate DNA and cause cancer.

What is the difference between the thermosphere and mesosphere?

The thermosphere is the hottest layer and absorbs harmful radiation; the mesosphere is colder and even less dense.

What causes the Coriolis Effect?

Earth’s rotation/spin on its axis.

What are Hadley Cells and their role in global wind patterns?

They describe how air rises at the equator, expands, cools, and eventually precipitates.

What is a watershed?

All of the land that drains into a specific body of water.

What factors determine the boundaries of a watershed?

Slope, ridges, and land divides that affect runoff directions.

What is the concept of eutrophication?

Algae blooms from nutrient pollution (N & P) which leads to decreased sunlight and hypoxia.

What are some major sources of nutrient pollution in watersheds?

Discharge from sewage treatment plants, animal waste from CAFOS, synthetic fertilizers.

What is albedo?

The proportion of light that is reflected by a surface.

How does solar intensity vary with latitude?

It is highest at the equator and decreases toward the poles due to the angle of sunlight.

What are the effects of urban heat islands compared to rural areas?

Urban heat islands are hotter due to low albedo of surfaces like blacktop.

What happens during an El Niño event?

Trade winds weaken, resulting in warmer water temperatures and rainier conditions along the coast of South America.

What happens during a La Niña event?

Trade winds strengthen, leading to cooler conditions and reduced rainfall in certain areas.

What factors affect the temperature and precipitation in a region?

Geologic and geographic factors like mountains and ocean temperatures.

What is the rain shadow effect?

A region that becomes drier due to a higher elevation area blocking precipitation.

What is thermohaline circulation?

The movement of ocean water driven by differences in temperature and salinity.

What do upwelling zones do in the ocean?

Bring nutrient-rich waters from the deep ocean to the surface, supporting marine life.