Atmospheric Science Flashcard

Front

What is upslope fog and where is it most likely to form?

Back

Upslope fog is a type of fog that forms when moist air is lifted over a mountain range. It is most likely to form on the western slope of the mountain where the moist westerly winds blow.

Front

What are the four thermal layers of the atmosphere from the surface up?

Back

The four thermal layers of the atmosphere from the surface up are: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere.

Front

How does the temperature of the tropopause compare to the temperature at Earth's surface?

Back

The temperature of the tropopause is much colder than the temperature at Earth's surface.

Front

Why is relative humidity generally lowest in the middle of the afternoon?

Back

Relative humidity is generally lowest in the middle of the afternoon because the air temperature is at its highest, which decreases the relative humidity.

Front

What are human-made impurities in the atmosphere called?

Back

Human-made impurities found in the atmosphere that present health and environmental hazards are called pollutants.

Front

Define troposphere.

Back

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, where most weather occurs and where temperature decreases with altitude.

Front

What is the role of the stratosphere?

Back

The stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere, located above the troposphere, and contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation.

Front

What is the significance of the mesosphere?

Back

The mesosphere is the third layer of the atmosphere, where temperatures decrease with altitude and where most meteors burn up upon entering the atmosphere.

Front

Explain the thermosphere and its characteristics.

Back

The thermosphere is the uppermost layer of the atmosphere, characterized by very high temperatures and the presence of ionized gases, which can reflect radio waves.

Front

What is relative humidity?

Back

Relative humidity is the amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at a given temperature, expressed as a percentage.