Chapter 1 Composition and Structure of the Atmosphere
1) The atmosphere is a mixture of:
A) precipitation and air.
B) particulate matter and water.
C) gas molecules, small particulates, and moisture.
D) moisture and gas molecules only.
Answer: C
Section: 1.1 The Atmosphere, Weather, and Climate
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Glob Sci Outcome: G1; G2
2) Relatively speaking, the earth's atmosphere is:
A) very thick when compared to the earth's diameter.
B) very thin when compared to the earth's diameter.
C) stops at the top of the troposphere.
D) stops when we reach "space."
Answer: B
Section: 1.2 Thickness of the Atmosphere
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension; Evaluation; Analysis
Glob Sci Outcome: G1; G2; G7
3) The atmosphere:
,A) has vertical wind speeds that are typically around one-tenth that of horizontal wind
speeds.
B) is about as deep as the planet is wide.
C) is more than 99 percent contained within the first 60 miles from the earth's surface.
D) has not changed substantially in composition since the earth formed over four billion
years ago.
Answer: C
Section: 1.2 Thickness of the Atmosphere
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Glob Sci Outcome: G1
4) What do you notice concerning the percentage of permanent gasses throughout the
atmosphere (all levels)?
A) It varies significantly from the surface up.
B) It varies significantly only at the tropopause.
C) It is the same throughout the atmosphere from the surface up.
D) It varies only in the mesosphere.
Answer: C
Section: 1.3 Composition of the Atmosphere
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension; Evaluation
Glob Sci Outcome: G1; G2
,5) What is the residence time of oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere?
A) 10 years
B) 100 years
C) 500 years
D) 5000 years
Answer: D
Section: 1.3 Composition of the Atmosphere
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Glob Sci Outcome: G1
6) The heterosphere:
A) lies below the homosphere.
B) contains primarily heavy gases.
C) is populated primarily by variable gases.
D) is named for its chemical homogeneity.
Answer: C
Section: 1.3 Composition of the Atmosphere
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Glob Sci Outcome: G1; G2
7) This is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere:
A) nitrogen.
B) oxygen.
C) carbon dioxide.
D) water vapor.
, Answer: A
Section: 1.3 Composition of the Atmosphere
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Glob Sci Outcome: G1; G2
8) Nitrogen:
A) is a variable gas.
B) has a short residence time.
C) is a relatively unstable gas.
D) has little effect on climate.
Answer: D
Section: 1.3 Composition of the Atmosphere
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Glob Sci Outcome: G1; G2
9) This is NOT a variable gas:
A) water vapor.
B) argon.
C) ozone.
D) carbon dioxide.
Answer: B
Section: 1.3 Composition of the Atmosphere
Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge
Glob Sci Outcome: G1; G2
10) Water vapor: