Across
- 5. A boundary separating two masses of air with different densities, typically associated with weather changes such as temperature shifts, precipitation, and wind patterns.
- 7. The second layer of the atmosphere, which contains most of the ozone in Earth’s atmosphere.
- 10. Variation or cycle that occurs daily, such as temperature or solar radiation changes between day and night
- 14. A molecule consisting of 3 oxygen atoms found primarily in the stratosphere. When created in the troposphere, it can be a harmful pollutant.
- 15. Half of the Earth, usually divided into Northern and Southern by the equator or Eastern and Western by the prime meridian.
- 16. Electromagnetic radiation emitted by the Sun that includes visible light and ultraviolet radiation, contributing to Earth's energy balance.
- 17. The lowest layer of the atmosphere extending from the surface to an altitude between 8 kilometers (at the poles) and 14 kilometers (in the tropics); most weather occurs in this layer.
- 19. Collections of water (in liquid or ice phase) in the atmosphere that are often classified by their shape and height.
- 20. The heat energy transferred between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere that causes a change in temperature without changing the phase of a substance.
- 22. The combined energy transfer from evaporation of water from the surface and transpiration of water by plants growing on that surface.
- 26. The amount of water vapor present in the air, often expressed as a percentage of the maximum amount of water vapor that the air can hold at a given temperature.
- 27. The mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth and some other planets. Biogeochemical processes, including human activities, determine the concentrations of the gaseous constituents of this
- 28. The rate of change of atmospheric properties, such as temperature, pressure, or humidity, over a specified distance, often influencing wind patterns and weather systems.
- 29. The redirection of light in all directions due to interactions with air molecules, aerosols, or clouds.
Down
- 1. An abbreviated term for incoming solar radiation.
- 2. The transfer of heat energy vertically through a medium through motion of matter. In the atmosphere, it may be seen visibly by cloud formation and thunderstorm development
- 3. The transfer of energy through a medium from molecule to molecule due to a gradient in temperature
- 4. A naturally occurring process that aids in heating the Earth's surface and atmosphere
- 6. The layer of Earth's atmosphere between the stratosphere and the thermosphere, known for temperatures that decrease with altitude.
- 8. The proportion of the incident light or radiation that is reflected by a surface, typically expressed as a percentage.
- 9. The balance between the incoming energy from the sun and the outgoing energy emitted by the Earth back into space. It determines Earth's climate and temperature
- 11. Shortwave electromagnetic waves having wavelengths between 0.1 and 0.4 micrometers that is harmful to plants and animals, including humans.
- 12. A solid particle suspended in the atmosphere. Volcanic eruptions, salt spray, dust storms and forest fires are natural sources of this
- 13. NASA instruments that provides direct measurements of reflected solar radiation and emission of thermal infrared radiation from the earth to space
- 15. The second most abundant element in the universe, it is found in higher concentrations in the upper atmosphere due to its lightness and low chemical reactivity.
- 18. Energy that is emitted from a source in the form of rays or waves
- 21. The heat energy absorbed or released during a phase change of a substance, such as from liquid to gas or vice versa, without changing its temperature
- 23. A form of electromagnetic radiation, with a wavelength that is observable to the human eye (about 400–750 nanometers).
- 24. A process by which energy penetrates the inner structure of a material, causing that material to gain energy.
- 25. The return of sound or light back to its source. In the atmosphere, the process where incoming solar rays are redirected back upward after striking particles.