Term
| How was the current atmosphere created? |
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Definition
| H2O Photolysis and Photosynthesis |
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Term
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Definition
| Carbon is exchanged between biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere of the Earth. |
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Term
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Definition
Warm water current that flows periodically southwards along coast of Ecuador and Peru.
Replaces usually cold northwards-flowing current.
Occurs every 5-7 years, around Xmas.
Opposite = El Nina |
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Term
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Definition
78% Nitrogen
21% Oxygen
1% CO2 and other gases |
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Term
| Pre-oxygenation: Why was evolution more or less confined to oceans? |
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Definition
Absence of ozone layer.
Water offered protection against UV radiation. |
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Term
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Definition
| Portion of incident solar energy that is reflected by a surface. (Globally - 30% is reflected) |
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Term
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Definition
| Air moves away from a center of high pressure as it descends. Brings fair weather |
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Term
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Definition
| Air moves towards low-pressure at center of the system and spirals upwards. Brings clouds and precipitation |
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Term
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Definition
| Layer of cool air occurs beneath a layer of warmer air |
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Term
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Definition
| Band of air in which temperature rises with altitude |
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Term
| Stratosphere vs. Troposphere (Atmospheric Temperature) |
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Definition
S : Temperature increases with altitude
T: Temperature decreases with altitude |
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Term
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Definition
Solar radiation (light) can break down chemical bonds.
Example: Atmospheric ozone (O3) breaking down to O2 is a result of photodissociation. |
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Term
| Controls on deep ocean circulation (vertical mixing) |
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Definition
- Temperature and Salinity (density)
- Coriolis Force
- Position of continents
- Upwelling zones
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Term
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Definition
Reduce and eventually eliminate production of CFCs: accelerate development of alternative chemicals
(Production and emissions controlled) |
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Term
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Definition
Very small solid particles suspended in the atmosphere.
Common examples: sulfates, nitrates, mineral dust, soot, black carbon, etc.
Originate mostly from combustion |
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Term
| When is Ozone essential for life on land? |
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
Phytoplankton (biotic source) in oceans produce sulfate gases, which are converted to sulfate aerosols.
Increased albedo.
Negative Feedback Loop: aids in stabilizing atmospheric temperature |
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Term
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Definition
1. Large number of gas vehicles
2. Heat and sunlight
3. Limited air mass movement |
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