$$\text{Net Radiation} = \text{Incoming Shortwave Radiation} - \text{Outgoing Longwave Radiation}$$

Question 1

Which of Earth's four spheres is primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect?

Accepted Answer

Atmosphere

Question 2

A system in which energy and matter can enter and leave is called:

Accepted Answer

Open system

Question 3

Which feedback type can stabilize trends in a system by counteracting changes?

Accepted Answer

Negative feedback

Question 4

If a system reaches a threshold, what is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

The system will abruptly transition to a new operational state

Question 5

Venus has a much denser atmosphere than Mars. What is the primary gas in Venus's atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide

Question 6

Earth's tilt changes between $$22.1^\circ$$ and $$24.5^\circ$$ every 40,000 years. What is the primary effect of this tilt variation?

Accepted Answer

It alters the intensity and distribution of solar energy received

Question 7

Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum is most associated with causing health problems due to ionizing radiation?

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays and X-rays

Question 8

What is the main reason water vapor is important in the greenhouse effect?

Accepted Answer

It absorbs and emits longwave radiation, making up about 80% of the effect

Question 9

Which formula correctly represents the average daily net radiation at Earth's surface?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Net Radiation} = 	ext{Incoming Shortwave Radiation} - 	ext{Outgoing Longwave Radiation}$$

Question 10

Which atmospheric layer contains the ozone layer?

Accepted Answer

Stratosphere

Question 11

What is the main function of the ozone layer in Earth's atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

Absorbing ultraviolet radiation

Question 12

Which type of ultraviolet radiation is most dangerous and is almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer?

Accepted Answer

UVC

Question 13

Which process is responsible for the transfer of heat when you touch a hot object?

Accepted Answer

Sensible heat

Question 14

Which of the following gases is NOT a major contributor to atmospheric pollution?

Accepted Answer

O2

Question 15

If Earth's albedo increases due to more snow cover, what is the likely effect on global temperature?

Accepted Answer

Temperature will decrease due to more reflection

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of convection in Earth's atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

Transfer of heat by movement of fluids (air or water)

Question 17

Which equation correctly expresses the density of water?

Accepted Answer

$$ho = 1000\ 	ext{kg/m}^3$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of a shrinking atmospheric escape window?

Accepted Answer

Less longwave radiation escapes, trapping heat and contributing to climate change

Question 19

Which process is most responsible for the formation and destruction of ozone in the stratosphere?

Accepted Answer

Photodissociation by ultraviolet light

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the tropics receive about 2.5 times more solar insolation than the poles?

Accepted Answer

The curvature of Earth causes sunlight to be more concentrated at the tropics

Earth Systems, Solar Radiation, and Atmospheric Processes: General Biology Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions