7.1: The Atmosphere Around You

Multiple Select

Which statements are true about the stratosphere?

• It is the second layer from Earth.

• It contains the ozone layer.

• Temperature decreases as altitude increases.

• It protects living things from ultraviolet radiation.

Open Ended

How does the atmosphere act as an insulator for Earth, and why is this important for living organisms?

Multiple Choice

Why is the Earth's atmosphere important for life on our planet?

• It provides oxygen for breathing and protects us from harmful solar radiation.

• It makes the sky blue and helps plants grow.

• It is responsible for the movement of tectonic plates.

• It causes the seasons to change.

Multiple Choice

Which gas makes up the largest percentage of Earth's atmosphere?

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Carbon Dioxide

• Argon

Open Ended

Explain how air pressure changes as you move higher in altitude and why this happens.

Fill in the Blank

Fill in the blank: The layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs is the ___.

Multiple Choice

Which layer of the atmosphere is directly above the stratosphere and protects Earth from most meteorites?

• Mesosphere

• Troposphere

• Thermosphere

• Exosphere

Fill in the Blank

The sun provides most of the energy that drives Earth's systems, including the atmosphere. Some solar energy is ___ back into space, while most passes through the atmosphere and gets trapped or absorbed as heat.

Multiple Select

Which of the following statements about winds is/are correct?

• Warm air rises and cool air sinks.

• Unequal heating of Earth's surface causes changes in air pressure.

• Local winds blow over large areas.

• Global winds blow over short distances.

Open Ended

Explain the difference between local winds and global winds, and give an example of each.

Multiple Choice

How does Earth's atmosphere help protect life on the planet?

• It acts like a coat, protecting from harmful solar radiation and keeping temperatures suitable for life.

• It provides food for all living things.

• It creates earthquakes to shape the land.

• It makes the planet spin faster.