Chapter 1: Introduction to the Atmosphere
MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question.
1) The vertical temperature structure of the troposphere is described by
A) the barometric pressure
B) the lapse rate
C) its density
D) the wind speed
E) none of these
2) Air may best be described as:
A) a mixture
B) an element
C) a compound
D) one of four basic substances that composes all things
E) none of these
3) Which of these is NOT a significant factor in the role played by particles or dust in the atmosphere?
A) reflection of sunlight B) cloud formation
C) ozone production D) absorption of sunlight
7) With an increase in altitude, air pressure:
A) increases at a constant rate
B) increases at a decreasing rate
C) decreases at a constant rate
D) decreases at a decreasing rate
E) decreases at an increasing rate
8) This atmospheric component absorbs damaging ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
A) helium
B) argon
C) neon
D) nitrogen
E) none of these
9) When chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are subjected to sunlight, ______is released which acts to destroy ozone molecules.
A) nitrogen
B) chlorine
C) carbon
D) carbon dioxide
E) hydrogen
11) The first function of water vapor in the Earth's original atmosphere was to
A) block the solar wind
B) increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
C) fall as rain and thus cool the Earth's surface
D) provide needed nourishment for primitive plants
E) create oxygen
14) This variable atmospheric component can exist in all three states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) at the temperatures and pressures that normally exist on Earth.
A) oxygen B) methane C) nitrogen D) ozone E) water
15) Which of the following is the most important atmospheric component with regard to the Earth's climate?
A) water vapor
B) ozone
C) argon
D) nitrogen
E) oxygen
16) Scientists believe that a growing amount of this gas in the atmosphere will probably bring about a warming of the lower atmosphere:
A) argon
B) carbon dioxide
C) nitrogen
D) oxygen
E) none of these
17) Which one of the following gases has the greatest effect on weather?
A) ozone
B) water vapor
C) oxygen
D) nitrogen
E) argon
20) Atmospheric pressure is caused by:
A) the weight of the air above B) Earth's magnetic field
C) the air's motion D) solar radiation
24) Photosynthesis
A) releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
B) was prevalent during the first years of the Earth's atmosphere
C) releases oxygen into the atmosphere
D) is carried out primarily by bacteria
E) all of the above
26) Studies have shown that on average ozone depletion is greatest over this area:
A) Australia
B) the Middle East
C) Europe
D) Antarctica
E) North America
29) A primary difference between the concepts of weather and climate is the
A) temperature scale used B) measuring technique used
C) type of weather elements measured D) time period involved
35) Which one of the following is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere?
A) carbon dioxide
B) nitrogen
C) argon
D) oxygen
E) hydrogen
37) Ozone is concentrated in the
A) troposphere B) stratosphere C) thermosphere D) mesosphere
40) The normal lapse rate applies to the
A) mesosphere B) stratosphere C) troposphere D) thermosphere
Answer: C