Untitled Flashcards Set

Troposphere

0-17 km above Earth's surface, site of weather, organisms, and contains most atmospheric water vapor.

Stratosphere

2nd layer of atmosphere; extends from 10 to 30 miles up; location of ozone layer; absorbs 95% of Ultraviolet radiation.

Ozone

A form of oxygen that has three oxygen atoms in each molecule instead of the usual two; protects us in the stratosphere but is harmful in the troposphere.

Heat

The energy transferred between objects that are at different temperatures.

Temperature

A measure of how hot (or cold) something is; specifically, a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in an object.

Radiant Energy

The energy carried by an electromagnetic wave.

Conduction

Form of heat transfer where heat energy is directly transferred between molecules through molecular collisions or direct contact.

Convection

Process by which, in a fluid, the warmer part of the mass will rise and the cooler portions will sink.

Isotherm

A line on a weather map that joins places that have the same temperature.

Specific Heat Capacity

The energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius.

Heat Island

An urban area where climate is warmer than in the surrounding countryside due to factors such as numerous concrete buildings.

Air Mass

A body of air that has about the same temperature and moisture throughout.

Isobar

A line on a weather map that joins places that have the same air pressure.

Jet Stream

A high-speed high-altitude airstream blowing from west to east near the top of the troposphere.

Deep Sea Current

Movement of ocean water that occurs in depths too great to be affected by surface winds and is generated by differences in water temperature and salinity.

Surface Current

A horizontal movement of ocean water caused by wind and that occurs at or near the ocean's surface.

Upwelling

The upward movement of deep, cold, nutrient-rich ocean water toward the surface as a result of diverging currents.

Thermocline

A layer in a large body of water that sharply separates regions differing in temperature.

Temperature Profile

A plot or graph of changing ocean water temperatures with depth, which varies depending on location and season.