Earth's Atmosphere Lecture Notes

Practice flashcards based on key concepts from the Earth’s atmosphere lecture notes.

What is the composition of Earth's atmosphere?

Mostly nitrogen, with major parts oxygen and argon.

What is barometry?

Measurement of air pressure.

What is standard atmospheric pressure in inches of mercury?

29.92 inches Hg.

What defines the outer space boundary related to the atmosphere?

The Kármán line at 100 km altitude.

How does atmospheric pressure change with altitude?

Pressure decreases with altitude.

What phenomenon occurs when the thermal lapse rate has the wrong sign?

Thermal inversions, which can cause poor visibility and reduced air turbulence.

What is the average height of the troposphere?

18 km (11 miles) high.

What is the role of the ozone layer?

It provides shielding from ultraviolet radiation.

How do upslope winds differ from katabatic winds?

Upslope winds occur when warm air rises a mountain, while katabatic winds occur when cold air sinks downhill.

What is the Coriolis effect?

The phenomenon where objects appear to travel in a curved path due to the rotation of the Earth.

What is relative humidity?

The amount of water vapor in the air relative to the maximum amount of water vapor that the air can hold.

What is saturation in the context of humidity?

When the rate of evaporation equals the rate of condensation in the air.

What are clouds primarily made of?

Clumps of non-gaseous water aloft.

What is the definition of a thermal lapse rate?

It is the average rate at which air temperature decreases with altitude, approximately 0.65 K per km.

What is the significance of the intertropical convergence zone?

It is a belt of rising air near the equator influencing global wind patterns.

What happens during atmospheric condensation?

Formation of frost, dew, or clouds due to saturation of the air.