Introduction to the Atmosphere

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to the atmosphere, its structure, interactions with other spheres, and atmospheric phenomena.

Atmosphere

The layers of gas that surround the Earth.

Hydrosphere

The component of Earth that includes all its water, such as clouds, humidity, and rain.

Geosphere

The solid part of the Earth that includes weathering and wind erosion.

Exosphere

The outermost layer of the atmosphere that blocks incoming solar radiation.

Biosphere

The sphere that encompasses all living organisms, including plants and animals.

Haboob

A localized dust storm common in desert areas.

Sandstorm

A strong wind carrying sand through the air, typical in desert regions.

Thunderstorms

Storms characterized by thunder and often accompanied by lightning and heavy rain.

Thermometer

An instrument used to measure temperature.

Barometer

An instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.

Geiger Counter

A device used to detect and measure ionizing radiation.

Chromatograph

An instrument used to separate and analyze the chemical composition of substances.

Volcanic Activity

The release of gases from volcanoes that contributed to the formation of Earth's early atmosphere.

Greenhouse Gas

Gases like CO2 and CH4 that trap heat in the atmosphere.

Ionosphere

A region of the atmosphere that contains a high concentration of ions and free electrons.

Ozone Layer

A layer in the atmosphere that absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Aurora Borealis

Natural light display in the Earth's sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions.

Moisture

The presence of water vapor in the air, expressed as relative humidity.

Air Pressure

The force exerted by the weight of air above a given point.

Density

The concentration of air molecules and atoms in a given volume.

Conduction

The transfer of heat through direct contact between materials.

Convection

The process of heat transfer due to the movement of fluids, causing mixing.

Radiation

The transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves.

Gas Laws

Laws that describe the relationships between pressure, volume, temperature, and density of gases.

Humidity

The amount of water vapor present in the air, often expressed as a percentage.

Evaporation

The process where liquid water becomes vapor, adding moisture to the air.

Sublimation

The direct transition of solid water (ice) into vapor without becoming liquid.

Hurricane

A powerful tropical storm system characterized by low pressure, strong winds, and heavy rain.

Pressure Map

A visual representation showing the distribution of air pressure across a region.

Cyclonic System

A weather system characterized by low pressure and rotating winds.

Sea Breeze

A local wind that occurs due to temperature differences between land and sea.

Land Breeze

A local wind that occurs at night when land cools faster than water.

Temperature Gradient

The rate of temperature change with respect to distance in the atmosphere.

Weather Patterns

The recurring conditions in the atmosphere that dictate climate and weather events.