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ELL Earth Sci 23.1
Characteristics of the Atmosphere
Term | Definition |
---|---|
weather | the general condition of the atmosphere at a particular time and place |
climate | the general weather conditions of an area over many years |
ozone | a molecule composed of 3 oxygen atoms which absorbs ultraviolet rays of the Sun |
Chlorfluorocarbons (CFCs) | compounds used in refrigeration and aerosols that break down ozone |
atmospheric pressure | the ratio of the force of the air to the area of surface on which it presses |
barometer | instrument used for measuring air pressure |
anemometer | instrument used for measuring wind speed |
thermometer | instrument used for measuring air temperature |
troposphere | layer of the atmosphere closest to the Earth's surface where almost all weather occurs |
stratosphere | layer of the atmosphere above the tropopause up to an altitude of 50 km which contains most of the ozone in the atmosphere |
mesosphere | layer of the atmosphere above the stratopause up to an altitude of 80 km which is the coldest of all layers |
thermosphere | layer of the atmosphere above the mesopause which is the hottest of all layers with temperatures reaching up to 2000 degrees C |
ionosphere | region of lower thermosphere (80-500 km), where gases ionize and reflect radio waves back to Earth |
exosphere | outer region of the thermosphere that merges into the vacuum of interplanetary space |
air pollution | any substance in the atmosphere that is harmful to people, animals, plants or property |
temperature inversion | a condition where warm air traps polluted cold air beneath it forming smog |