Atmosphere Composition, Layers, and Nitrogen Cycle: Key Concepts for Biology and Earth Science

What is the primary composition of the atmosphere?

The atmosphere is primarily made up of nitrogen and oxygen, along with trace gases.

How does air pressure change with altitude?

Air pressure decreases with altitude; there is more air pressing down at sea level than in the mountains.

What tool is used to measure air pressure?

A barometer.

What is the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria?

They convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants.

What is denitrification?

The process by which nitrates are converted back into nitrogen gas and oxygen.

What are the layers of the atmosphere?

The atmosphere is divided into the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.

What is the function of the ozone layer?

It protects Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

What happens to air pressure during a storm?

Air pressure typically decreases, leading to cloudy skies and potential precipitation.

What is the Coriolis effect?

The Coriolis effect causes moving air and water to turn and twist rather than moving in a straight line, influencing wind patterns.

How do seasons occur?

Seasons are caused by the tilt of Earth's axis as it orbits the sun, affecting how sunlight is distributed.

What is the significance of Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells?

These are major circulation patterns in the atmosphere that help distribute heat and influence climate.

What is the process of nitrogen fixation?

The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃) by certain bacteria, making it available for plant use.

What are the characteristics of the troposphere?

It is the closest layer to Earth, contains 75% of the atmosphere's mass, and is where most weather occurs.

What occurs in the mesosphere?

Most meteors burn up in this layer as they enter Earth's atmosphere.

What is the role of phosphorus in the body?

Phosphorus is essential for DNA, RNA, ATP, and the phospholipid bilayer.

How does the atmosphere protect Earth?

The atmosphere acts as a shield against harmful solar radiation and helps regulate temperature.

What is the relationship between air pressure and weather?

High pressure typically brings clear skies, while low pressure is associated with clouds and precipitation.

What is the significance of the thermosphere?

It is the outermost layer where the International Space Station orbits and where the aurora borealis occurs.

What is the nitrogen cycle?

The nitrogen cycle describes the processes by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, including fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.

How does global air circulation affect climate?

It helps distribute heat from the equator, creating areas of high and low pressure that influence weather patterns.

What happens to air as it rises?

Rising air creates areas of low pressure, which can lead to increased precipitation, such as in rainforests.

What is the impact of descending air?

Descending air creates areas of high pressure, which can lead to dry conditions, such as in deserts.

What is the significance of the exosphere?

It is the outer layer of the atmosphere that gradually fades into space and where satellites orbit.

How do plants contribute to the atmosphere?

Plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis, which is essential for life on Earth.

What is the role of lightning in the nitrogen cycle?

Lightning can convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms for plants, such as nitrates.

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate describes long-term patterns and averages.

What is the relationship between temperature and atmospheric layers?

Temperature trends vary across atmospheric layers; the troposphere cools with altitude, while the stratosphere warms due to ozone absorption.

How does air circulate in the Northern Hemisphere?

Air circulates counter-clockwise around low-pressure systems due to the Coriolis effect.

How does air circulate in the Southern Hemisphere?

Air circulates clockwise around low-pressure systems due to the Coriolis effect.