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1. Name the layers of the atmosphere (starting with the closest to earth) and de

ID: 414 • Letter: 1

Question

1. Name the layers of the atmosphere (starting with the closest to earth) and describe any changes in temperature associated with each.
2. How does atmospheric pressure change as you rise through the atmosphere?
3. What two elements make up 99% of the atmosphere?
4. What is the importance of ozone in the atmosphere?
5. At what angle is the earth tilted?
6. At what time during the year is the sun directly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn?
7. What are the three mechanisms for energy (heat) transfer?
8. What is albedo?
9. Describe the greenhouse effect. 1. Name the layers of the atmosphere (starting with the closest to earth) and describe any changes in temperature associated with each.
2. How does atmospheric pressure change as you rise through the atmosphere? 2. How does atmospheric pressure change as you rise through the atmosphere?
3. What two elements make up 99% of the atmosphere? 3. What two elements make up 99% of the atmosphere?
4. What is the importance of ozone in the atmosphere? 4. What is the importance of ozone in the atmosphere?
5. At what angle is the earth tilted? 5. At what angle is the earth tilted?
6. At what time during the year is the sun directly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn?
7. What are the three mechanisms for energy (heat) transfer? 7. What are the three mechanisms for energy (heat) transfer?
8. What is albedo?
9. Describe the greenhouse effect.

Explanation / Answer

The earth is surrounded by the atmosphere, which is the body of air or gasses that protects the planet and enables life. Most of our atmosphere is located close to the earth's surface where it is most dense. The air of our planet is 79% nitrogen and just under 21% oxygen; the small amount remaining is composed of carbon dioxide and other gasses. There are five distinct layers of the earth. Let's look at each, from closest to farthest from the earth...