The high temperatures in the thermosphere occur because
it is in direct contact with high energy solar radiation.
Which of the following is true of the mesosphere?
It contains clouds that are visible at night.
The solar constant is measured at
the outer boundary of the exosphere (32,000 km (20,000 mi)).
In terms of incoming solar radiation (insolation), which is the correct order?
thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere
The outermost region of the atmosphere, based on composition, is the
heterosphere.
Which of the following lists the correct sequence of gases, from most to least, in terms of percentage within the homosphere?
nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, trace gases
Three criteria used for classification of the atmosphere explained in the text are
composition, temperature, and function.
How much of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation reaches Earth's surface?
little of the ultraviolet radiation
What is another name for the ozone layer?
ozonosphere
How is ozone formed in the stratosphere?
Ultraviolet radiation breaks apart molecules made up of paired oxygen atoms. Individual oxygen atoms bond with paired oxygen molecules to form ozone.
What is ozone?
a molecule made up of 3 oxygen atoms
How do CFCs cause ozone depletion?
Ultraviolet radiation breaks down CFCs, molecules containing chlorine. Chlorine then breaks one oxygen atom away from ozone, leaving behind a paired oxygen molecule.
What would happen to the oxygen atoms in ozone if the ozone layer were completely destroyed by ultraviolet radiation?
The oxygen atoms would be bound together in pairs.
The homosphere is so called because
the blend of gases is nearly uniform throughout.
Which of the following is false?
Air pressure decreases through the troposphere then increases in the stratosphere
Which of the following best describe conditions in the mesosphere?
High altitude noctilucent clouds form in the mesosphere.