Layers of the Atmosphere Review +

Front

What happens to solar energy when it reaches Earth?

Back

Some solar energy reflects off the atmosphere, some is absorbed by land and water, and some is radiated from the Earth's surface and trapped by the atmosphere.

Front

What is the term for the balance of energy coming in from the sun and being radiated out?

Back

Earth's energy budget.

Front

True or False: An unbalanced energy budget can affect global temperatures.

Back

True.

Front

Which layer of the atmosphere is the least dense?

Back

Exosphere.

Front

What happens to air pressure as altitude increases?

Back

Air pressure decreases.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The process by which certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere, keeping the Earth warm.

Front

What is the troposphere?

Back

The lowest layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs and where we live.

Front

What is the stratosphere?

Back

The layer above the troposphere, containing the ozone layer that protects us from harmful UV radiation.

Front

What is the mesosphere?

Back

The layer of the atmosphere above the stratosphere, where temperatures decrease with altitude.

Front

What is the thermosphere?

Back

The layer of the atmosphere above the mesosphere, characterized by high temperatures and low density.