AICE Environmental unit 1 review

Vocabulary flashcards covering atmospheric gases, atmospheric layers, the ozone layer, the natural greenhouse effect, and basic geography concepts from Unit 1.

Nitrogen

An atmospheric gas that makes up approximately $78\%$ of the atmosphere.

Oxygen

An atmospheric gas that makes up approximately $21\%$ of the atmosphere.

Argon

An atmospheric gas that makes up approximately $0.93\%$ of the atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide

An atmospheric gas that makes up approximately $0.04\%$ of the atmosphere.

Troposphere

The atmospheric layer closest to Earth's surface where humans live and where most weather occurs.

Stratosphere

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

Mesosphere

The atmospheric layer located directly above the stratosphere.

Thermosphere

The outermost of the four main atmospheric layers, which features very high temperatures.

The Smart Monkey Talks

A mnemonic used to remember the four atmospheric layers in order from Earth upward: Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere.

Ozone Layer

A layer located in the stratosphere that absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun to protect life on Earth.

Natural Greenhouse Effect

The natural process where greenhouse gases absorb outgoing infrared radiation, preventing heat from escaping into space and keeping Earth warm enough for life.

Shortwave Radiation

Incoming solar radiation sent by the Sun, including ultraviolet radiation, that enters the atmosphere.

Infrared Radiation

Longwave radiation released upward by Earth's warm surface after absorbing incoming solar energy.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that absorb outgoing infrared radiation to help maintain Earth's temperature suitable for life.

LIC

Low Income Country, an income classification used by the World Bank.

MIC

Middle Income Country, an income classification used by the World Bank.

HIC

High Income Country, an income classification used by the World Bank.

What absorbs most of earths outgoing radiation

Greenhouse gases

What type of radiation does earths surface re emit

Infrared, long wave or radiation

What does the ozone layer do

Absorbs ultraviolet uv radiation from th sun

Where is the ozone layer

Stratosphere

What is evaporation

The change of liquid water into vapor due to heating

What is transpiration

The release of water vapor from plants

What is condensation

The change of water vapor into liquid water droplets

What is interception

When vegetation catches precipitation before it reaches the ground

What is infiltration

The movement of water from the surface into the soil

What is groundwater flow

Water moving underground through soil and rock

What is sustainability

Meeting current needs without preventing future generations from meeting their needs.

What is sustainable management of resources?

Using resources carefully so they remain available for the future

Why is sustainable management important?

Resources can be limited, and overuse can cause them to run out or damage the environment.

What is through flow

Water moves sideways in the soil

What is the natural greenhouse effect?

The natural process where greenhouse gases absorb some outgoing infrared radiation, helping maintain Earth’s temperature.

What gases make up the atmosphere?

• Nitrogen (N₂): ~78%

• Oxygen (O₂): ~21%

• Argon (Ar): ~0.93%

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂): ~0.04%

• Water vapor (H₂O): varies depending on location and conditions

What gases make up the greenhouse gases?

• Water vapor

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

• Methane (CH₄)

• Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

• Ozone (O₃)