Environmental Science 102
Temperature Structure of the Atmosphere Study Guide


What is a Lapse Rate?

What is the Lapse Rate (in Metric) for the Troposphere?

What are the characteristics of the Troposphere and Tropopause.

What are the characteristics of the Stratosphere.

What are the characteristics of the Mesosphere.

What are the characteristics of the Thermosphere.

What are the characteristics of the Ionosphere.

Between what two elevations is most of the Earth's atmosphere found?

How does air density change with elevation?

Describe a temperature inversion as compared to the normal lapse rate.

What factors can lead to the formation of a temperature inversion?

List and describe the 8 factors controlling temperature in the atmosphere.

What causes annual variations in temperature?

What causes daily variations in temperature?

Why are coastal areas generally cooler than inland areas?

Describe and explain the four thermal properties of land vs. water that account for the land/water temperature variation.

Which areas show less temperature variation on an annual basis, inland or coastal areas?

Which areas show greater temperature variation on a daily basis, inland or coastal areas?

What is an Urban Heat Island?

Explain why urban areas are generally warmer than rural areas?