Term | Definition |
atmosphere | The layer of air that surrounds the earth. It is made up of a mixture of gaseous elements and compounds and a small amount of tiny solids and liquids. It is held close to Earth due to gravity. |
radiation | The transfer of energy through light waves. Examples: radio, microwave, x-rays, ultraviolet, visible light. |
convection | The transfer of heat energy by the movement of molecules of air or liquids. Hot air/liquids rise while cold air/liquids sink because of density. THe fluids move in a circular pattern, or convection current as a result. |
humidity | The amount of water vapor in the air. Measured with a hygrometer. Example: rain forest |
pressure | The amount of force pushing on a surface or area. Molecules in our atmosphere push down upon the surface of the Earth to create pressure. Measured with a barometer. |
ozone layer | A layer of a special kind of oxygen found in the stratosphere that protects life on Earth by absorbing the sun's harmful altraviolet rays. |
altitude | The height above a specific point like the surface of Earth or sea level (elevation). |
jet stream | "Rivers" of high-speed-air in the atmosphere. It affects air masses anf affects aircraft by speeding or slowing their path. |
temperature | The average amount og energy from the motion of the molecules of a substance. Measured with a thermometer. |
troposhere | The layer in our atmosphere in which weather occurs. |
stratosphere | The second-lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere. The ozone layer is located in the upper stratosphere causing the lower half to be very cold and the upper half to be very hot because the ozone layer absorbs the ultraviolet radiation. |
mesosphere | The middle layer of Earth's atmosphere, in which most meteoroids burn up. |
exosphere | The outer layer of the thermosphere, extending outward into space. |
thermosphere | The outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere. |