due to earths circular orbit it is always equidistant from the sun
Which of the following does not accurately describe Earth's distance from the Sun?
eliptical
earths orbit around the sun is
mainly visible light and ifararred energy
The sun emits radiant energy composed of
temperature
________ is a measure of the average kinetic energy of individual molecules in matter.
heat
________ is the flow of kinetic energy between molecules or from one body or substance to another resulting from a temperature difference between them.
insolation
Solar radiation that is intercept by Earth is called
subsolar point
What is the name of the location on Earth's surface that receives the Sun's perpendicular rays?
only at lower latitudes between the Tropics (23.5� N/S).
The subsolar point occurs
earths curvature
The uneven distribution of insolation by latitude is primarily a result of
47 degrees
The Sun's declination migrates through ________ of latitude annually.
TRUE
The hours of daylight varies depending on the latitude of the observer.
west to east
Part complete
As viewed from the equator, Earth's rotation is described as
the plane of the ecliptic
The plane of Earth's orbit about the Sun is called
daylength is longer during the summer solstice and shorter during the winter solstice
For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, which of the following is true?
a mixture of gases that behaves like single gas.
air consists of
480 km (300 mi) above earths surface
Part complete
The top of the Earth's atmosphere is approximately
They exert pressure outward, counterbalancing atmospheric pressure.
why are humans and other living things not crushed by earths pressure?
two broad classifications: homosphere and heterosphere.
based on composition the atmosphere is divided into
the blend of gases is nearly uniform throughout.
the homosphere is so called because
nitrogen and oxygen
Part complete
The two most abundant gases in the atmosphere are
four regions, ranging from the troposphere to the thermosphere.
based on temperature the atmosphere is divided into
troposphere
Which atmospheric zone supports the biosphere and is the region of principle weather activity?
two zones that absorb radiation from sun
Based on function, the atmosphere has
absorbs most ultraviolet wavelengths
The ozonosphere is critical to life because it
TRUE
Natural events, such as volcanoes and wildfires, produce air pollution and may cover large areas
FALSE
yes
produces photochemical smog
The reaction of automobile exhaust and ultraviolet light
sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides
What two pollutants react with water to produce acid rain?
vertical mixing of pollutants is halted, trapping the pollutants in the inversion layer
Why are temperature inversion noteworthy vis-�-vis air pollution?
albedo
The reflective quality of a surface is known as its
31 percent
Earth's average overall albedo is
it changes depending on the angle of the sun
Which of the following is true of the albedo of water?
higher; lower
Heat always flow from an area of ________ temperature to an area of ________ temperature.
FALSE
yes
latent heat
Energy gained or lost when a substance changes from one state to another is
sensible heat
Heat that can be sensed due to the kinetic energy of molecular motion is
conduction
the molecule-to-molecule transfer of heat energy.
convection
A stove that circulates heated air to uniformly cook food is an example of ________ heat transfer.
advection
A horizontal air current that is generated by temperature-induced density differences is an example of heat transfer by
anaology of a greenhouse
a useful, but inaccurate model since atmospheric gases do not trap, but absorb heat.
temperature
measure of the average kinetic energy of individual molecules in matter
insolation
Part complete
The single most important control on temperature is
The principal controls and influences of temperature patterns include
latitude, altitude, land-water heating differences, cloud cover, and ocean currents.
93 degrees F
f the temperature at the surface of Earth (at sea level) is 100�F, what is the temperature at 2000 feet if the average lapse rate is 3.5�F/1000 feet?
cooler; warmer
Part complete
During summer, cities located near the coast are ________ than those in the interior at the same latitude, while in the winter they are ________.
continentality
________ refers to the greater range between maximum and minimum temperatures that occurs in inland areas distant from large bodies of water.
isotherm
Lines on a temperature map connecting points of equal temperature is called an
thermal equator
connects all points of highest mean temperature.
wind-chill temperature index
a factor of actual air temperature and wind speed.
relates temperature and relative humidity
As reported by the National Weather Service, the heat index