The Atmosphere - Structure and Composition

Which of Earth’s spheres is composed primarily of gases?

• the Atmosphere

• the Asthenosphere

• the Hydrosphere

• the Biosphere

The standard sea-level atmospheric pressure is ________ millibars.

• 1013

• 29.92

• 14.7

• 0 (zero)

What is the relationship between atmospheric pressure and altitude above sea level?

• Atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude.

• Atmospheric pressure increases with increasing altitude.

• Atmospheric pressure is not affected by increasing altitude.

Earth’s atmosphere can be layered based upon which factor?

• temperature

• pressure

• density

• mass

A dry lapse rate of 5.5°F/1,000 ft. is often used to calculate temperature changes in air not at 100% relative humidity. On a dry day with a surface temperature of 85^oF, what is the temperature 20,000 feet overhead?

• -25^oF

• +25^oF

• -5.5^oF

• -55^oF

What happens to temperature as you ascend upward through the stratosphere?

• temperature increases

• temperature decreases

• temperature remains constant

Which layer of the atmosphere has no well-defined upper limit?

• the Thermosphere

• the Troposphere

• the Mesosphere

• the Stratosphere

Which of the following is found in the Mesosphere?

• meteor streaks

• auroras

• landmasses

• clouds

Which of the following is the most abundant gas in our atmosphere?

• nitrogen

• oxygen

• carbon dioxide

• carbon monoxide

Which of the following are major variable components of the atmosphere? CHOOSE ALL THAT APPLY!

• water vapor

• aerosols

• carbon dioxide

• oxygen gas