Earth's Atmosphere Flashcards

Flashcards reviewing key concepts about Earth's atmosphere.

What is the Earth's atmosphere?

The layer of gases that surrounds the Earth.

What are the four key functions of the atmosphere?

Providing protection from solar radiation, regulating temperature, protecting from space debris, and playing a role in the water cycle.

What makes Earth unique compared to other planets in our solar system?

It has an atmosphere that can sustain life.

What is the atmosphere commonly referred to as?

Air.

What gases make up Earth's atmosphere?

Roughly 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, .93% argon, and .04% carbon dioxide, with trace amount of Krypton, methane, helium, hydrogen, and neon

How thick is the atmosphere?

About 300 miles thick, with the majority of gases found within ten miles of the Earth's surface.

What are the five primary layers of Earth's atmosphere?

Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, and Exosphere.

Which layer is closest to the surface of the Earth?

The troposphere.

What percentage of the Earth's total atmosphere is contained in the troposphere?

75%

Where are clouds found?

Troposphere.

In which layer does most weather occur?

Troposphere.

What happens to water vapor as it rises from the Earth's surface into the atmosphere?

Cools, condenses, and forms water droplets.

What is the second layer of the atmosphere?

Stratosphere.