Earth's Geography and Climate - AP Environmental Science

What is the primary source of natural aerosols in the atmosphere?

Volcanic eruptions and sea spray. Natural particles suspended in atmosphere affect climate and visibility.
Define the term 'permafrost'.

Ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years. Forms in areas where summer thaw doesn't reach subsurface layers.
Which process is responsible for the natural greenhouse effect?

Absorption and re-emission of infrared radiation by gases. Gases trap outgoing heat while allowing incoming solar radiation through.
What is the primary function of the thermohaline circulation?

Regulating global climate by ocean heat distribution. Deep ocean circulation driven by temperature and salinity differences.
Name the effect that causes Earth's winds to curve.

The Coriolis Effect. Earth's rotation causes deflection of moving air masses.
Which human activity significantly contributes to ocean acidification?

Burning fossil fuels, increasing CO₂ in oceans. Excess atmospheric CO₂ dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid.
State the primary cause of urban heat islands.

Increased heat absorption due to concrete and asphalt. Dark surfaces absorb more heat than natural vegetation or soil.
What is the term for the long-term average of weather patterns in an area?

Climate. Averaged over 30+ years, distinguishes from short-term weather.
Which layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer?

The stratosphere. Located 10-50 km above Earth's surface, filters harmful UV radiation.
Identify the effect of volcanic eruptions on climate.

Temporary cooling due to aerosols reflecting sunlight. Ash and sulfur particles reflect incoming solar radiation back to space.
What is the formula for calculating albedo?

$\frac{\text{reflected radiation}}{\text{incoming radiation}}$ . Measures surface reflectivity as a ratio from 0 (dark) to 1 (bright).
What is the main driver of ocean currents?

Wind patterns and differences in water density. Surface winds and density differences from temperature/salinity variations.
Which current flows along the eastern coast of the United States?

The Gulf Stream. Warm Atlantic current moderating eastern US and European climates.
What is the definition of the Coriolis Effect?

The deflection of moving objects caused by Earth's rotation. Results from Earth's rotation deflecting moving air and water masses.
Identify the primary cause of Earth's seasons.

The tilt of Earth's axis relative to its orbit around the Sun. Earth's 23.5° axial tilt creates varying solar angles throughout the year.
What is the primary consequence of the El Niño phenomenon?

Disruption of weather patterns worldwide. Warm Pacific waters alter atmospheric circulation and precipitation patterns.
Identify the type of biome characterized by high rainfall and biodiversity.

Tropical rainforest. Warm, wet conditions near equator support maximum species diversity.
What is the primary source of energy for the Earth's climate system?

The Sun. Provides 99.97% of Earth's energy through electromagnetic radiation.
Which factor primarily influences oceanic circulation?

Wind patterns and Earth's rotation. Coriolis effect and atmospheric pressure drive surface currents.
What is the main reason for the decrease in Arctic sea ice?

Rising global temperatures. Warming atmosphere and ocean reduce ice formation and increase melting.
Identify the main factor that affects the speed of wind.

The pressure gradient force. Air moves from high to low pressure areas, creating wind velocity.
What is a consequence of deforestation on climate?

Increased carbon dioxide levels and reduced rainfall. Trees absorb CO₂ and release water vapor through transpiration.
Which climate zone experiences the most precipitation?

Tropical climate zone. Warm air near equator holds more moisture and rises frequently.
Which human activity is the largest source of methane emissions?

Agriculture, particularly rice paddies and livestock. Anaerobic decomposition in flooded fields and ruminant digestion.
Which atmospheric layer is closest to Earth's surface?

The troposphere. Extends from surface to ~12 km, contains most weather phenomena.
What is the dominant wind pattern in the tropics called?

Trade winds. Consistent easterly winds between 30°N and 30°S latitudes.
Define 'climate change'.

Long-term alteration in temperature and typical weather patterns. Distinguishes from natural climate variability by human influence.
Identify the main cause of sea level rise in recent decades.

Melting ice caps and thermal expansion of seawater. Warming causes ice volume loss and water molecules to expand.
Identify the most significant human activity contributing to climate change.

Burning fossil fuels. Releases stored carbon, increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.
What is the role of the ozone layer?

It absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation. Protects life by filtering out 97-99% of harmful UV-B radiation.
Name the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.

Photosynthesis. Converts CO₂ and water into glucose using chlorophyll and sunlight.
Define 'weather'.

The short-term state of the atmosphere in a specific place. Current atmospheric conditions, changes over hours to days.
Which process describes the movement of water from the surface to the atmosphere?

Evaporation. Phase change requiring energy input, cooling the surface below.
What term describes the gradual warming of Earth's surface?

Global warming. Rising average temperatures due to increased greenhouse gas concentrations.
Define the term 'biome'.

A large ecosystem characterized by specific climate and species. Defined by temperature, precipitation, and characteristic vegetation.
What is the main cause of acid rain?

Emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Industrial emissions form acids when combined with atmospheric water.
What influences the global distribution of deserts?

High-pressure systems and descending dry air. Subtropical high-pressure zones create arid conditions around 30° latitude.

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