Earth and Space Science Flashcards

Which layer of the atmosphere contains most weather and nearly all water vapour?

Answer: Troposphere

The troposphere is the lowest layer, where clouds and weather form.

A cold front moves into a region of warm, moist air. What weather is most likely?

Answer: Thunderstorms and heavy rain followed by cooler temperatures

Dense cold air forces warm air upward rapidly, forming cumulonimbus clouds and storms.

Why does Vancouver have milder winters than Winnipeg, even though they are at similar latitudes?

Answer: The Pacific Ocean moderates Vancouver's temperatures

Large bodies of water heat and cool slowly, keeping coastal climates moderate.

Which gas is the most abundant greenhouse gas in Earth's atmosphere?

Answer: Water vapour

Water vapour is the most abundant greenhouse gas, though CO2 is the main driver of human-caused warming.

Air pressure readings are falling steadily over several hours. What does this most likely indicate?

Answer: A low-pressure system with clouds and precipitation is approaching

Falling pressure signals rising air in a low, which often brings stormy weather.

In the water cycle, what process moves water from plant leaves into the atmosphere?

Answer: Transpiration

Transpiration is the release of water vapour through small pores in leaves.

What does the ozone layer in the stratosphere primarily do?

Answer: Absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun

Stratospheric ozone absorbs most UV-B and UV-C radiation, protecting living things.