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PS9 Ch. 22 The Atmosphere
Ch. 22 The Atmosphere
17
Science
9th Grade
02/27/2009

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Term
troposphere
Definition
the lowest layer of the atmosphere, in which temperature drops at a constant rate as altitude increases
Term
temperature inversion
Definition
the atmospheric condition in which warm air traps cooler air near Earth's surface
Term
stratosphere
Definition
the layer of the atmosphere that lies between the troposphere and the mesosphere and in which temperature increases as altitude increases; contains the ozone layer
Term
ozone
Definition
a gas molecule that is made up of three oxygen atoms
Term
mesosphere
Definition
literally, the "middle sphere"; the strong, lower part of the mantle between the asthenosphere and the outer core
Term
thermosphere
Definition
the uppermost layer of the atmosphere, in which temperature increases as altitude increases; includes the ionosphere
Term
greenhouse effect
Definition
the warming of the surface and lower atmosphere of Earth that occurs when carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other gases in the air absorb and reradiate infrared radiation
Term
water cycle
Definition
the continuous movement of water between the atmosphere, the land, and the oceans
Term
transpiration
Definition
the process by which plants release water vapor into the air through stomata; also the release of water vapor into the air by other organisms
Term
precipitation
Definition
any form of water that falls to Earth's surface from the clouds; includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail
Term
humidity
Definition
the amount of water vapor in the air
Term
dew point
Definition
at constant pressure and water vapor content, the temperature at which the rate of condensation equals the rate of evaporation
Term
barometric pressure
Definition
the pressure due to the weight of the atmosphere; also called air pressure or atmospheric pressure
Term
Coriolis effect
Definition
the curving of the path of a moving object from an otherwise straight path due to the Earth's rotation
Term
air mass
Definition
a large body of air throughout which temperature and moisture content are similar throughout
Term
front
Definition
the boundary between air masses of different densities and usually different temperatures
Term
climate
Definition
the average weather conditions in an area over a long period of time
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