Atmosphere and Climate Concepts

air pressure

• force exerted by the atoms and molecules of air as they move in all directions in the atmosphere

• the weight of the air above a given point

• the temperature of the air in a specific area

• the humidity level in the atmosphere

stratosphere

• the layer of the atmosphere between the troposphere and mesosphere where the ozone layer is located

• the lowest layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs

• the layer of the atmosphere above the mesosphere

• the region of the atmosphere where satellites orbit

Coriolis Effect

• deflection of air and water caused by Earth's rotation.

• a phenomenon that causes the seasons to change.

• the process of water evaporating from the ocean surface.

• the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface.

air mass

• a large body of air with uniform temperature and humidity

• a small pocket of air with varying temperatures

• a type of weather front that brings storms

• a layer of air that traps heat in the atmosphere

ocean acidification

• increase in ocean pH due to carbon dioxide absorption

• reduction in ocean pH due to carbon dioxide absorption leading to poorly developed shells for marine life

• neutralization of ocean acidity by marine organisms

• increase in ocean temperature affecting marine biodiversity

satellite

• instrument used to monitor and provide information about weather

• device for measuring temperature

• tool for predicting earthquakes

• machine for generating electricity

fossil fuels

• coal, oil, and natural gas; carbon-based sources of energy

• solar, wind, and hydroelectric power; renewable energy sources

• nuclear energy; derived from uranium

• biomass; organic materials used for energy

stationary front

• two air masses meet, but neither advance

• one air mass rises over another

• two air masses collide and create storms

• an air mass moves quickly and displaces another

wind vane

• instrument used to measure wind direction

• device for measuring temperature

• tool for measuring humidity

• gadget for detecting air pressure

weather

• the conditions of the atmosphere at a certain location and time

• the long-term average of atmospheric conditions

• the movement of air in the atmosphere

• the study of climate patterns over decades