Earth's Atmosphere

Which BEST explains why air temperatures near mountaintops are often much colder than air temperatures near sea level?

• Large amounts of snowfall decrease the temperature.

• Air near mountaintops is less dense.

• Strong winds near mountaintops decrease temperatures.

• The lack of vegetation at sea level allows the ground to absorb more heat.

The diagram below shows a student’s model of the water cycle. In which layer of the atmosphere does the process shown occur (take place)?

• mesosphere

• stratosphere

• troposphere

• thermosphere

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

How is the stratosphere different from the troposphere?

• The clouds in the stratosphere produce more rain.

• The air in the stratosphere has a greater density.

• The composition of the stratosphere lacks ozone.

• The temperature of the stratosphere warms at higher altitude.

The BEST description of the troposphere is the layer of the atmosphere with the

• most ozone.

• greatest density.

• highest altitude.

• coldest temperature.

Which of these gases, on average, has the lowest volume in the atmosphere of Earth?

• oxygen

• nitrogen

• water vapor

• carbon dioxide

Which trait (characteristic) is common in gases that contribute (give) to Earth’s greenhouse effect?

• the ability to trap heat

• a tendency to lose electrons

• a tendency to exist as diatomic molecules

• the ability to bond with multiple other elements

The temperature of the stratosphere increases (goes up) with altitude because of the presence of

• nitrogen

• water vapor

• ozone

• carbon monoxide

A weather balloon is about 2 meters wide when it is near the ground. It grows to about 6 meters wide at higher altitudes. Which change MOST likely makes the balloon become wider at higher altitudes?

• More gases enter the balloon.

• The gas inside the balloon gets much hotter.

• The air pressure surrounding the balloon decreases.

• Sunlight breaks down the material of the balloon.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Which layer of the atmosphere has most of Earth's weather?

• mesosphere

• stratosphere

• exosphere

• troposphere

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The closest layer to Earth's surface is called the

• exosphere

• stratosphere

• troposphere

• thermosphere