IAs study set climate change

Temperature change with altitude

Decreases from 35°C at the Earth's surface to -75°C in the outer stratosphere.

Mesosphere importance

Meteors burn up, and cosmic rays interact to form aurorae.

Atmospheric layers (lowest to highest)

Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, Exosphere.

Troposphere characteristics

Weather occurs, contains most air, temperature decreases with altitude.

Stratosphere characteristics

Contains ozone layer, absorbs UV radiation, temperature increases with altitude.

Mesosphere characteristics

Coldest layer, meteors burn up, temperature decreases with altitude.

Thermosphere characteristics

Temperature increases with altitude, auroras occur.

Exosphere characteristics

Outermost layer, where atmospheric particles gradually escape into space, very low density.

Importance of ozone layer

Absorbs and shields Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Ozone layer recovery

Can repair itself over time if CFC emissions are reduced.

Factors affecting the atmosphere

Human activities (burning fossil fuels, deforestation) and natural events (volcanoes, solar variations).

Definition of Earth's energy budget

Balance between solar energy received and energy lost into space.

Effects of absorbing all solar energy

Earth would continuously heat up without maintaining equilibrium.

Methods of energy loss

Reflection (by clouds, ice, surfaces) and absorption/emission of heat.

Definition of greenhouse gases

Gases that absorb longwave infrared radiation and trap heat in the atmosphere.

Importance of greenhouse gases

Keeps Earth warm enough for life through the natural greenhouse effect.

Effects of no greenhouse gases

Earth would be much colder and less habitable.

Highly reflective surfaces

Snow, ice, and clouds reflect solar radiation, cooling the planet.

Absorptive surfaces

Landmasses and human-made surfaces like asphalt retain heat, warming the planet.

Carbon emissions and temperature correlation

More CO₂ leads to increased heat retention and rising temperatures.

Wealth and climate impact

Higher wealth leads to increased consumer goods and fossil fuel consumption.

Human contributions to climate change

Fossil fuel burning, deforestation, industrial emissions, resource overconsumption.

Unequal impact of climate change

Developed countries have higher emissions, while poorer regions suffer more consequences.

Methods to reduce carbon footprint

Using renewable energy, reducing waste, conserving energy, sustainable habits.

Shortwave Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun, primarily in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared wavelengths

Longwave radiation

Radiation emitted by the Earth, primarily in the infrared range, which is absorbed and re-emitted by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Infrared Radiation

A type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than radio waves

The Natural Greenhouse Effect

The process by which certain atmospheric gases trap heat from the Earth's surface, preventing it from escaping into space and thereby maintaining the planet's temperature at a level conducive to life.

Back Radiation

The radiation emitted by the Earth's surface that is absorbed and re-emitted by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, contributing to the natural

Troposphere height

Extends from 0 to about 12 km (7.5 miles) above Earth's surface.

Troposphere temperature

Decreases with altitude, averaging 15°C at the surface and dropping to -55°C at the top.

Stratosphere height

Extends from about 12 km to 50 km (7.5 to 31 miles) above Earth's surface.

Stratosphere temperature

Increases with altitude, ranging from -55°C at the bottom to about 0°C at the top.

Mesosphere height

Extends from about 50 km to 85 km (31 to 53 miles) above Earth's surface.

Mesosphere temperature

Coldest layer, decreasing with altitude from 0°C at the bottom to about -90°C at the top.

Thermosphere height

Extends from about 85 km to 600 km (53 to 373 miles) above Earth's surface.

Thermosphere temperature

Increases with altitude, reaching up to 2,500°C due to solar radiation.

Exosphere height

Extends from about 600 km to 10,000 km (373 to 6,200 miles) above Earth's surface.

Exosphere temperature

Extremely high, but varies greatly; particles move at high speeds due to low density.

Tropopause location

Boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere, around 12 km high.

Stratopause location

Boundary between the stratosphere and mesosphere, around 50 km high.

Mesopause location

Boundary between the mesosphere and thermosphere, around 85 km high.

Thermopause location

Boundary between the thermosphere and exosphere, around 600 km high.