click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Earth's Atmosphere -
Chapter 9 flashcards
Question | Answer |
---|---|
atmosphere | mixture of gasses that surround the earth |
troposphere | region of atmosphere around the earth to a depth of about 8-15km |
stratosphere | region which extends about 15-50km above the earth's surface |
electromagnetic spectrum | the entire range of wavelengths of electromagnetic energy |
UV - Ultraviolet waves | electromagnetic waves which are shorter than visible light |
IR - Infrared waves | electromagnetic waves which are longer than visible light, can be felt as heat |
inversion | the situation in when warm air sits on cold air in the troposphere |
greenhouse gases | gases which are able to absorb radiation |
global warming | an unproven theory which contends that earth's average temperature is rising, possibly due to an increase in greenhouse gases |
Wind | air in motion relative to he surface of the Earth |
updraft | rising column of warm air |
downdraft | sinking column of cool air |
Coriolis effect | the deflection of air and water currents caused by the spinning of Earth on its axis |
jet streams | strong, continuous winds ranging from 200-250kmph |