Earth's Atmosphere and Cycles Study Guide

Atmosphere

Layer of gases surrounding Earth.

Air Pressure

Force exerted by air on surfaces.

Barometer

Instrument measuring atmospheric pressure.

Troposphere

Lowest atmospheric layer, weather occurs here.

Stratosphere

Second atmospheric layer, contains ozone layer.

Mesosphere

Third atmospheric layer, meteors burn up.

Thermosphere

Fourth atmospheric layer, high temperatures exist.

Ionosphere

Region of ionized gases in thermosphere.

Ozone Layer

Protective layer absorbing UV radiation.

Ultraviolet Radiation

Invisible radiation from the sun.

Water Cycle

Continuous movement of water on Earth.

Evaporation

Process of water turning into vapor.

Condensation

Process of vapor turning into liquid.

Precipitation

Water released from clouds as rain.

Respiration

Process releasing carbon dioxide from organisms.

Photosynthesis

Process plants use to convert carbon dioxide.

Carbon Cycle

Movement of carbon among Earth's systems.

Nitrogen Cycle

Movement of nitrogen through ecosystems.

Ecosystem

Community of living organisms and environment.

Greenhouse Effect

Trapping of heat by atmospheric gases.

Global Warming

Increase in Earth's average temperature.

El Nino

Climate pattern affecting global weather.

Runoff

Water flowing over land into bodies.

Groundwater

Water stored underground in soil or rock.

Transpiration

Water vapor released from plants.

Sublimation

Transition from solid to gas without liquid.

Percolation

Movement of water through soil layers.