Download The Atmosphere and Weather Factors Study Guide

The Atmosphere and Weather Factors Study Guide
80 point Test – Wednesday, February 16th
The Atmosphere (Chapter 1)
 atmosphere – the layer of gases surrounding Earth
 barometer – instrument used to measure air pressure
 pressure – a push or a pull
 density – How heavy (mass) something is for its size (volume).
 formula for finding density - mass/volume (Air has mass.)
 altitude (elevation ) – basis for classifying the layers of the
atmosphere
 Earth’s atmosphere is made up of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%),
carbon dioxide, water vapor, and many other gases, as well as
particles of liquids and solids.
 Air pressure decreases as altitude (height or elevation) increases.
 As the temperature of air decreases (cools), its mass increases.
 Use your STUDENT CREATED study guide to know the names and
characteristics (including ionosphere and exosphere) of the
atmospheric layers. You should also recognize the altitude of each
layer. Focus on the order of the layers; do NOT memorize specific
altitudes.
Weather Factors (Chapter 2)
 Reread, study, and review the section 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 section
summaries. The review and reinforce pages are great for having
someone quiz you on the bold terms. Place extra emphasis on
understanding the differences between (2-2) conduction, convection,
and radiation as well as contrasting land and sea breezes (2-3).
 Cloud formation – Clouds form when water vapor in the air becomes
liquid water or ice crystals.
 Precipitation – any form of water (rain, freezing rain, sleet, hail,
snow) falling from clouds.