Earth Systems and Resources

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to Earth's atmosphere and global climatic patterns.

Insolation

The incoming solar radiation that is Earth's main source of energy.

Albedo

The measure of the reflectivity of the Earth's surface.

Trace gases

Gases in the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide and methane which are present in very small amounts.

Ozone layer

A layer within the stratosphere that absorbs most of the UV-B and all of the UV-C radiation.

Adiabatic cooling

The cooling effect of reduced pressure on air as it rises and expands.

Adiabatic heating

The heating effect of increased pressure on air as it sinks and decreases in volume.

Latent heat release

The release of energy when water vapor condenses into liquid water.

Hadley cells

Convection currents that cycle between the equator and 30° N and 30° S.

Coriolis effect

The deflection of an object's path due to the Earth's rotation.

Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

The area where two Hadley cells converge, leading to significant atmospheric activity.