The __________ is the source of all energy in our atmosphere.

The name for an O(3) molecule

The transfer of energy that occurs when molecules collide with one another.

Differences in air pressure over Earth's surface cause this.

Wind is created by differences in

Only about __________ of incoming solar radiation reaches and is absorbed by Earth's surface.

This gas makes up the largest quantity in Earth's atmosphere.

__________ is the process that heats air close to Earth's surface

What happens as heated air expands and becomes less dense than the air surrounding it?

continuous bands of wind that move at speeds of 200-250 km/h between the troposphere and stratosphere.

The Earth receives energy from the sun in the form of

This makes up 21% of the atmosphere.

The continuous vertical movement of air that occurs in a circular pattern

Sea and land breezes occur because of this.

These are responsible for the movement of much of the weather across the United States and Canada.

Not all areas on Earth's surface receive the same amount of radiation because Earth's surface is __.

This gas absorbs much of the incoming ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.

As air heats up, it expands and becomes less

The flow of air caused by __________ and the Coriolis effect creates distinct wind patterns on Earth's surface.

When warm air sits on top of cold air

Air above the equator is heated more than at any other place on Earth because solar rays strike the equator....

What might happen if the radiation balance (the amount of solar energy received and the amount of thermal energy returned to space) became unequal?

A The Earth could get warmer.
B There could be a change in the types of animals and plants that could surv

If a balloon contains colder air than the surrounding air around it, it will

a dense column of air sinking towards Earth's surface

When temperature changes, air rises and sinks, forming this.