module 9-11

troposphere

A layer of the atmosphere closest to the surface of Earth, extending up to approximately 16 km (10 miles).

starosphere

The layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere, extending roughly 16 to 50 km (10-31 miles) above the surface of Earth.

Mesosphere

the region of the earth's atmosphere above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere, between about 30 and 50 miles (50 and 80 km) in altitude

Thermosphere

the region of the atmosphere above the mesosphere. The thermosphere is characterized throughout by an increase in temperature with height.

Albedo

The percentage of incoming sunlight reflected from a surface.

Saturation point

The maximum amount of water vapor in the air at a given temperature.

Adiabatic cooling

The cooling effect of reduced pressure on air as it rises higher in the atmosphere and expands.

Adibatic Heating

The heating effect of increased pressure on air as it sinks toward the surface of Earth and decreases in volume.

Latent heat release

The release of energy when water vapor in the atmosphere condenses into liquid water.

Atmospheric convection currents

Global patterns of air movement that are initiated by the unequal heating of Earth.

ITCZ/Intertropical convergence zone

The latitude that receives the most intense sunlight, which causes the ascending branches of the two Hadley cells to converge.

Coriolis Effect

The deflection of an object's path due to the rotation of Earth.

Rainshadow

A region with dry conditions found on the leeward side of a mountain range as a result of humid winds from the ocean causing precipitation on the windward side.

Gyres

A large-scale pattern of water circulation that moves clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Upwelling

The upward movement of ocean water toward the surface as a result of diverging currents.

Thermohaline circulation

An oceanic circulation pattern that drives the mixing of surface water and deep water.

El Nino-Southern Oscillation

A reversal of wind and water currents in the South Pacific.