The Atmosphere (PP)

• What is the definition of 'atmosphere'?

  A thin layer of gases, held in place by gravity
• What is the role of the atmosphere?

  It protects the Earth and supports life by providing essential gases
• What does dynamic equilibrium refer to in natural processes?

  Natural processes are in a state of balance
• How are daily and annual CO$_2$ levels balanced in the atmosphere?


  Through natural processes such as photosynthesis and respiration
• What are the layers of the atmosphere from the Earth's surface upwards?

  • Troposphere
  • Stratosphere
  • Ozone Layer
  • Mesosphere
  • Thermosphere
  • Ionosphere
  • Exosphere
• What do we mean by radiation?

  Radiation is the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves
• Name some waves on the electromagnetic spectrum.

  Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays
• Which waves on the electromagnetic spectrum are considered dangerous?

  1. rays and gamma rays are considered dangerous
• Which waves contribute to global warming?

  Infrared waves contribute to global warming
• What type of radiation do all objects emit?

  Infrared radiation
• How does the temperature of an object relate to the infrared radiation it emits?

  The hotter an object is, the more infrared radiation it emits
• How can infrared radiation affect skin cells?

  It can damage or kill skin cells, causing burns
• In what devices is infrared radiation commonly used?

  TV remote controls and optical fibers
• How can infrared radiation be detected?

  By infrared cameras and infrared scanners
• What are some uses of ultraviolet (UV) radiation?

  Used for sunbeds, in nightclubs, and to detect counterfeit bank notes
• How do bees utilize ultraviolet (UV) radiation?

  Bees see in UV to help them find pollen
• What is insolation?

  The amount of solar radiation received on a given surface in a given time period
• How is solar radiation measured?

  It is measured per square centimetre per minute
• How do different gases affect atmospheric pressure?

  Different gases contribute to varying pressures in the atmosphere
• What are emissions from Earth?

  Gases and particles released into the atmosphere from natural and human activities
• What is thermal stratification?

  The layering of different temperatures in a body of water or atmosphere
• What are chemical processes in the context of the atmosphere?

  Reactions that change the composition of gases in the atmosphere
• What does the physical environment refer to?

  The natural surroundings and conditions affecting life on Earth
• What is the temperature of the sun's radiating surface (photosphere)?

  More than 5500°C (9900°F)
• How does energy return to space from the Earth system?

  Through reflection and emission
• What is the term for the amount of energy reflected back to space?

  Albedo
• Which surfaces have low albedos?

  Ocean surfaces and rain forests
• Which surfaces have high albedos?

  Deserts, ice, and clouds
• What percentage of incoming solar energy is reflected back to space?

  About 30 percent
• What does the atmosphere protect us from?

  Higher energy radiation like X-Rays and Gamma Rays
• How does electromagnetic radiation (EMR) interact with the atmosphere?

  It is scattered, reflected, absorbed, or passes through
• What is the ability of electromagnetic energy to pass through the atmosphere called?

  Transmission
• Which type of light largely passes through the atmosphere?

  Visible light
• What are "atmospheric windows"?

  Regions of the spectrum where the atmosphere is transparent to specific wavelengths
• What are the primary gases responsible for atmospheric absorption of energy?

  Water Vapor, Carbon Dioxide, and Ozone
• In which range does water vapor strongly absorb radiation?

  1. 5-7.0μm and > 27μm
• What does Carbon Dioxide primarily absorb?

  Radiation in the mid and far infrared portions of the spectrum
• What does Ozone absorb strongly?

  In the UV portion of the spectrum
• What is the effect of longwave radiation emitted by the surface?

  It is absorbed by trace gases in the air, heating the air
• What is the atmospheric greenhouse effect?

  The heating effect of air on the surface due to trace gases