SFS EARTH SCIENCE FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE
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What are the two main elements that compose air?
• Nitrogen (N2): ~78% • Oxygen (O2): ~21% Argon is close at ~0.9%, and Carbon Dioxide is ~0.04%.
What is the closest layer to Earth where all weather occurs?
Troposphere Temperature decreases with altitude in this layer.
What layer of the atmosphere contains the Ozone Layer?
Stratosphere The Ozone Layer absorbs UV radiation.
What is Rayleigh Scattering?
The scattering of light by particles in the atmosphere Shorter wavelengths (blue) scatter more easily, making the sky appear blue.
As altitude increases, what happens to air pressure?
It decreases This is due to fewer air molecules overhead.
What is hypoxia?
A state where the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply Symptoms include confusion, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and bluish skin.
What type of weather does a High Pressure (Anticyclone) system bring?
Clear, sunny skies and calm weather Air sinks and spreads out in this system.
What is the Coriolis Effect?
The curving of moving objects due to Earth’s rotation This affects the direction of wind and ocean currents.
What does a Cold Front bring?
Heavy rain or thunderstorms followed by cooler temperatures Cold air replaces warm air in this process.
Define weather.
Short-term state of the atmosphere It describes what’s happening right now.
What are the main ingredients for a cloud?
• Evaporation: Water vapor must be present • Cooling: Air must cool to its dew point • Condensation Nuclei: Dust or smoke particles for water to ‘stick’ to These conditions are necessary for cloud formation.
What is the approximate percentage of Earth covered by water?
~74% Salt Water makes up ~97% of this, while Fresh Water is ~3%.
What is the tilt of the Earth?
23.5° This tilt causes the seasons as we orbit the Sun.
What is the definition of density?
Mass per unit volume ($D = m/v$) This concept is crucial in understanding material properties.
What are the three rock types?
• Igneous: Formed from cooled magma/lava • Sedimentary: Formed from compressed layers of sediment • Metamorphic: Formed from existing rocks changed by heat and pressure Each type has distinct formation processes.
What is mutualism in biological relationships?
Both benefit (+) An example is bees and flowers.
What are the characteristics of the Tropical climate zone?
Hot and humid; near the Equator This zone experiences high temperatures year-round.
What instrument is used to measure air pressure?
Barometer This tool is essential for meteorologists.