Atmospheric Pressure and Convection Currents

These flashcards cover key concepts related to atmospheric pressure, convection currents, and the layers of the atmosphere.

Atmospheric Pressure

The sum of forces exerted by the molecules that compose the atmosphere per unit area, measured in units of millibars.

Pressure Gradient Force (PGF)

The difference in pressure between higher and lower areas of pressure and the distance between the two areas.

Convection Currents

The downward movements of air parcels are associated with increased atmospheric pressure, while upward movements are associated with decreased atmospheric pressure.

Troposphere

The lowest layer of the atmosphere where most weather occurs.

Stratosphere

The layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere, characterized by a temperature increase with altitude due to the presence of the ozone layer.

Mesosphere

The layer of the atmosphere above the stratosphere, where temperatures decrease with altitude.

Thermosphere

The layer of the atmosphere above the mesosphere where temperatures increase significantly with altitude due to solar activity.

Ozone Layer

A region of the stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Low Pressure

Occurs in areas where warm air rises, leading to a decrease in atmospheric pressure.

High Pressure

Occurs in areas where cold air sinks, leading to an increase in atmospheric pressure.

Pressure Grandient Force Formula

Area of high pressure minus area of low pressure divided by distance between areas of pressure.

Result of air rising

Decreased atmospheric pressure

Result in air sinking

Increased atmospheric pressure

What does a barometer measure?

It measures atmospheric pressure and it works by how Mercury responds to high pressure by going up or low pressure by going down.