Download Properties of Earth`s Atmosphere

Properties of Earth’s Atmosphere
Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to identify relationships that exist between
the elevation above sea level versus air density and temperature.
Procedure:
____ 1. Enter the web address below:
http://www.glencoe.com/sites/common_assets/science/virtual_labs/ES14/ES14.ht
ml
____ 2. Using the web lab manipulative, complete the data table below based on
specific elevations in Earth’s atmosphere (km).
Elevation (km)
Air Density (% of Sea
Level Density)
Air Temperature (˚C)
0
5
10
25
50
60
75
100
150
200
400
____ 3. Use the Properties of Earth’s Atmosphere graph paper to plot your findings
from the data table above. You will be constructing a double line graph. Be certain
to plot your data for air density and connect the values with a blue line.
Afterwards, plot your data for air temperature and connect the values with an
orange line.
____ 4. Using pg. 14 from your ESRT, design and label the mesopause, stratopause
and tropopause on your graph with horizontal dashed lines. In addition, label the
troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere and thermosphere.
____ 5. Answer the questions below based on the graph you have designed:
1. What type of relationship exists between elevation and temperature in
the mesosphere?
2. What relationship exists between elevation and temperature in the
thermosphere?
3. What type of relationship exists between air density and all of Earth’s
atmosphere?