Unit 4: Earth Science Study Guide
I. Atmosphere
· Describe how the temperature of the atmosphere varies in each of the four layers
· What is the importance of atmospheric ozone layer?
· Why is the sky blue
· How does the “Greenhouse Effect” work?
· What are the four fundamental atmospheric measurements?
· Why does water condense on the outside of a glass containing an iced drink?
· What information does Doppler Radar give that conventional radar can not give?
· Name the cloud type associated with thunderhead.
II. Atmospheric Effects
· What is the most violent storm and why?
· What is the most energetic storm and why?
· What is the major source of energy for a tropical storm
· When does a tropical storm become a hurricane?
· Distinguish between a hurricane watch and hurricane warning
· What causes the greatest number of hurricane casualties?
· What is the critical alert for a tornado?
· What three months are peak season in the United States for hurricanes?
· What three months are peak season in the United States for tornadoes?
III. Climate Change
· Define climate
· What effect could CFCs have on Earth’s climate
· What are the concerns about global warming?
IV. Water
- What region of the United State is water availability becoming an issue due to population increase
- What percentage of the fresh water used in the United States goes towards producing electricity
- List some of the sustainable solutions to the water crisis
- What is the difference between point source and non point source pollution
V. Charts
- Precipitation
- Clouds
