1.
Which element is most abundant in Earth's atmosphere?
Correct Answer
B. Nitrogen
Explanation
Nitrogen makes up 78% of the atmosphere
2.
Which layer of Earth's atmosphere contains a majority of the clouds?
Correct Answer
A. TropospHere
Explanation
The troposphere is the layer of Earth's atmosphere closest to the surface. It is where weather occurs and where the majority of clouds are found. This layer is characterized by decreasing temperature with increasing altitude, which allows for the formation of clouds due to the condensation of water vapor. The other layers of the atmosphere, including the stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere, do not contain as many clouds as the troposphere.
3.
Airplanes fly in which layer(s) of the atmosphere?
Correct Answer
B. TropospHere and stratospHere
Explanation
Airplanes fly in the troposphere and stratosphere layers of the atmosphere. The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending from the Earth's surface up to about 10-15 kilometers. This is where weather phenomena occur and where most commercial airplanes fly. The stratosphere is the layer above the troposphere, extending from about 10-15 kilometers up to about 50 kilometers. It contains the ozone layer and provides stable conditions for long-distance flights. Therefore, airplanes operate in both the troposphere and stratosphere layers of the atmosphere.
4.
Which layer of the atmosphere protects us from meteors?
Correct Answer
D. MesospHere
Explanation
The mesosphere is the layer of the atmosphere that protects us from meteors. Meteors burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere due to the high temperatures caused by friction with the gases in the mesosphere. This layer is located above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere. It is characterized by low temperatures and is the layer where most meteors disintegrate before reaching the Earth's surface. Therefore, the mesosphere acts as a shield, preventing meteors from causing any significant damage to the Earth.
5.
As altitude increases, the air pressure...
Correct Answer
A. Decreases
Explanation
As altitude increases, the air pressure decreases. This is because as you go higher in the atmosphere, there are fewer air molecules above you exerting pressure. The weight of the air above decreases, leading to a decrease in air pressure. This is why it is harder to breathe at higher altitudes, as the lower air pressure means there is less oxygen available.
6.
A man hiked to the top of Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia. As he climbed, what happened?
Correct Answer
C. The temperature of the atmospHere was decreasing
Explanation
As the man hiked to the top of Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia, the temperature of the atmosphere was decreasing. This is because temperature generally decreases with an increase in altitude. As the man climbed higher, he reached a colder region of the atmosphere where the temperature was lower than at the base of the mountain.
7.
What would be the forecast for an area experiencing high barometric pressure?
Correct Answer
A. Sunny
Explanation
High barometric pressure is typically associated with clear and stable weather conditions. This is because high pressure systems usually bring sinking air, which inhibits cloud formation and precipitation. As a result, the forecast for an area experiencing high barometric pressure would be sunny.
8.
A low reading on a barometer is associated with what?
Correct Answer
A. Stormy weather
Explanation
A low reading on a barometer indicates a decrease in atmospheric pressure. This decrease in pressure is typically caused by the approach of a storm system, which is associated with stormy weather. Therefore, a low reading on a barometer is a reliable indicator of impending stormy weather.
9.
The layers of the atmosphere are classified according to what?
Correct Answer
B. Temperature
Explanation
The layers of the atmosphere are classified according to temperature. As you move up in the atmosphere, the temperature changes in different layers. The layers are named based on these temperature variations, such as the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere. Each layer has its own unique characteristics and temperature patterns, which play a significant role in determining the behavior of weather and climate systems.
10.
Carbon dioxide trapping heat in the atmosphere is known as what?
Correct Answer
C. The greenhouse effect
Explanation
The correct answer is the greenhouse effect. This is the process in which carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, causing the planet to warm up. The greenhouse effect is responsible for the Earth's average temperature being suitable for life as we know it.