APES Unit 2 Segment 1

Insolation

The amount of solar radiation reaching a given area of Earth's surface (measured in W/m²); varies by latitude and season.

Albedo

The percentage of incoming sunlight reflected by a surface. High albedo surfaces (ice) reflect light; low albedo surfaces (asphalt) absorb light.

Troposphere

The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere (0–12 km) containing most weather and atmospheric mass, where temperature decreases with altitude.

Stratosphere

Atmospheric layer (12–50 km) containing the ozone layer, where temperature increases with altitude due to UV absorption.

Ozone Layer

A region in the stratosphere with high concentrations of O3 that absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV

Mesosphere

Atmospheric layer (50–85 km) where temperature decreases with altitude; the coldest layer where meteors burn up.

Thermosphere

Atmospheric layer (85–600 km) where extreme UV radiation absorption causes temperature to rise dramatically with altitude.

Exosphere

The outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere, gradually transitioning into outer space.

Saturation Point

The maximum amount of water vapor that air can hold at a given temperature.

Adiabatic Cooling

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

Adiabatic Heating

The heating effect of increased pressure on air as it sinks toward Earth's surface and compresses.

Latent Heat Release

The release of energy when water vapor condenses into liquid water, heating the surrounding air.

Atmospheric Convection Current

Global circulation pattern powered by uneven solar heating, moving warm air upward and cool air downward.

Hadley Cell

Atmospheric convection cell between 0° and 30° latitude where warm air rises at the equator and sinks at 30°.

Ferrel Cell

Atmospheric convection cell between 30° and 60° latitude driven by Hadley and Polar cell interactions.

Polar Cell

Atmospheric convection cell between 60° and 90° latitude with cold air sinking at the poles.

Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

The latitude receiving the most direct sunlight, where northern and southern Hadley cells meet, causing dense clouds and storms.

Coriolis Effect

The deflection of moving air and water currents caused by Earth's rotation (to the right in Northern Hemisphere, to the left in Southern Hemisphere).

Gyre

A large system of rotating ocean currents driven by wind patterns and the Coriolis effect.

Upwelling

The movement of deep, cold, nutrient

Thermohaline Circulation

Deep

Rain Shadow

A dry region on the leeward side of a mountain range caused by moist air losing its water content on the windward side.

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

Periodic climatic trade

La Niña

A climate pattern marked by stronger trade winds, intensified upwelling in the eastern Pacific, and abnormally cold surface waters.

Solar Radiation / Angle of Incidence

The angle at which sunrays strike Earth's surface; a 90° angle delivers the highest intensity of heat and radiation.

Earth's Axial Tilt (23.5°)

The 23.5

Equinox

Occurs twice a year (March and September) when Earth's axis is not tilted toward or away from the sun, resulting in equal 12

Solstice

Occurs twice a year (June and December) when Earth's tilt toward or away from the sun is at its maximum, creating the longest or shortest day of the year.