Earth Science
Essay by chanaboo • November 11, 2012 • Essay • 1,010 Words (5 Pages) • 2,645 Views
Other than moisture, what are the three major components of the air you breathe?
A: Nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, argon.
Humans and other animals inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. With our population, wouldn't this reduce the atmospheric oxygen level over a period of time? Explain.
A: No, people and animals inhale oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide. Plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen through photosynthesis.
Describe how the temperature of the atmosphere varies in each of the following regions:
A: Mesosphere is the coldest region of the atmosphere. With altitude to a value of -95C. Stratosphere is -60C with an altitude of 50km. Troposphere is virtually all clouds and water vapor at the top the temperature falls to -45C and above it increases to an altitude of 50km. thermosphere is heated by sun rays and the temperature to over 1000C.
Of what important is the atmospheric ozone layer?
A:The ozone layer in the stratosphere acts as an umbrella that shields life from harmful ultraviolent radiation from the Sun by absorbing most of the short wavelength of this radiation.
From what source does the atmosphere receive most of its direct heating, and how is the overall heating accomplished?
A: The earth. It is accomplished by distribution and disposal of the insolation.
Why is the sky blue?
A: By scattering of insolation.
Is the atmospheric "greenhouse effect" the same as that in an actual greenhouse? Explain.
A: Yes, because the earth's temperature is such that it radiates ene4rgy in long waved infrared region. N water vapor and carbon dioxide are the primary absorbers this is why it's called the greenhouse effect.
What are the four fundamental atmospheric measurements discussed in the chapter, and with what instrument is each measured?
A: Temperature is measured by thermometer. Pressure is measured by barometer. Humidity measured in unit of grains per cubic foot. Wind speed and direction is measured with an anemometer. Precipitation is measured by rain gauge.
What information does Doppler radar gives that conventional radar cannot give?
A: the Doppler radar is also able to measure the wind sped.
What is a convection cycle,
...
...