Flashcard #3 - Atmosphere

Front

What is air pressure?

Back

Air pressure is the force exerted on an object by the weight of the air above and around it.

Front

What is the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level in inches of mercury?

Back

The standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is 29.92 inches of mercury (inHg).

Front

What type of weather is typically associated with high pressure areas?

Back

High pressure areas are typically associated with clear, calm weather.

Front

Where do the Trade Winds blow?

Back

The Trade Winds blow from east to west near the equator.

Front

What is a maritime polar (mP) air mass?

Back

A maritime polar (mP) air mass forms over a cold ocean and brings cool, moist air to nearby land.

Front

What is the difference between maritime and continental air masses?

Back

Maritime air masses form over oceans and are moist, while continental air masses form over land and are dry.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects caused by the rotation of the Earth, affecting wind and ocean currents.

Front

What are the main components of the Earth's atmosphere?

Back

The main components of the Earth's atmosphere are nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and trace gases (1%).

Front

What is the role of the ozone layer?

Back

The ozone layer protects life on Earth by absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Front

What is a cold front?

Back

A cold front is the leading edge of a cooler mass of air that replaces a warmer mass of air.