Atmospheric Composition and Related Concepts

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to atmospheric composition, pressure, layers, and related phenomena.

Atmospheric Composition

The mixture of gases that make up the Earth's atmosphere, primarily nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%).

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

A gas that constitutes about 0.036% of the Earth's atmosphere and plays a role in heat absorption.

Water Vapor

The gaseous form of water that forms clouds, precipitation, and absorbs heat.

Aerosols

Tiny solid or liquid particles in the atmosphere that assist in cloud formation and reflect sunlight.

Ozone (O₃)

A molecule concentrated in the atmosphere that absorbs harmful UV radiation.

Atmospheric Pressure

The weight of the air above a given point; average sea level pressure is about 1,000 mb.

Troposphere

The lowest layer of the atmosphere where temperature decreases with altitude.

Stratosphere

The atmospheric layer above the troposphere that contains the ozone layer.

Ionosphere

A region above 80 km with charged particles that enhance radio transmission.

Magnetosphere

The magnetic field around Earth that protects against solar wind.

Seasons

Caused by the tilt of Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun.

Albedo

The percentage of solar radiation that is reflected by a surface.

Greenhouse Effect

The trapping of infrared radiation near Earth's surface, which is essential for life.

Isotherm

A line connecting areas of equal temperature.

Humidity

The amount of water vapor in the air, influencing heat retention.

Advection

The horizontal movement of air in the atmosphere.

Radiation

Energy that travels as electromagnetic waves.