GEO MODULE 9-10

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to atmospheric sciences, including layers of the atmosphere, weather phenomena, and fundamental principles of meteorology.

Air

A mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth, primarily composed of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), argon (0.93%), and carbon dioxide (0.04%).

Troposphere

The lowest layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs. Temperature decreases with altitude.

Stratosphere

The layer above the troposphere where temperature increases with altitude due to the ozone layer absorbing UV radiation.

Mesosphere

The layer above the stratosphere where temperature decreases with altitude.

Thermosphere

The layer above the mesosphere, characterized by sparse gases moving at high speeds, often energized by solar radiation.

Seasons

Caused by Earth's tilt (23.5°) and its revolution around the Sun, leading to varying sunlight over the course of a year.

Latent Heat

Energy absorbed or released during a phase change of a substance, without changing its temperature.

Conduction

Direct transfer of heat through contact.

Convection

Transfer of heat by the movement of fluids (liquids and gases).

Radiation

Transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves.

Albedo

The fraction of solar energy reflected by a surface.

Greenhouse Effect

Warming of Earth due to gases trapping heat, amplified by increased levels of CO₂, methane, and water vapor from human activity.

Isotherm

A line on a map connecting points of equal temperature.

Air Pressure

The force exerted by air. It decreases with altitude and is measured with a barometer.

Coriolis Effect

The effect of Earth's rotation on the direction of winds, deflecting them to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Cyclone

A low-pressure system where winds converge inward and rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

Anticyclone

A high-pressure system characterized by diverging air, sinking, and generally fair weather.

Geostrophic Winds

Upper-level winds balanced by the Coriolis effect and pressure gradient, commonly referred to as the Jet Stream.

Trade Winds

Winds produced by the Hadley cell circulation, blowing from the east in tropical regions.

Westerlies

Winds produced by the Ferrel cell circulation, blowing from the west in mid-latitude regions.