Atmosphere and Weather: Structure and Processes

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing the layers of the atmosphere and water cycle processes from the Atmosphere and Weather lecture.

Atmosphere

The gaseous layer around the earth.

Thermosphere

The atmospheric layer furthest from the earth where temperature increases as height increases; it absorbs harmful X-rays and UV rays from the Sun.

Mesosphere

A very cold layer lying below the thermosphere that prevents dust and rock from space from entering the lower layers of the atmosphere.

Stratosphere

The second layer above the earth surface that contains the ozone layer and absorbs harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Troposphere

The layer closest to the Earth's surface that contains most air in the atmosphere and gases essential for life.

Tropopause

The upper level of the troposphere.

Evaporation

The process whereby liquid water changes into water vapour due to heat from the sun.

Transpiration

The process whereby plants release water vapour into the atmosphere through their leaves.