Imagine a square column of the atmosphere, $1 \mathrm{~m}$ on a side, that extends all the way to the top of the atmosphere. How much does this column of air weigh in newtons?

Nitrogen is both removed from the atmosphere and returned to the atmosphere by the activities of (1) plants only (2) animals only (3) plants and animals (4) bacteria

Describe two ways that the burning of vegetation affects carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. How do you think the removal of vegetation affects oxygen levels in the atmosphere?

Calculate the mass (in kilograms) of nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide gases in the atmosphere. Assume that the total mass of air in the atmosphere is $5.25 \times 10^{21} \mathrm{~g}$.

Why doesn’t the Earth’s atmosphere leak away? At the top of the atmosphere atoms will occasionally be headed out with a speed exceeding the escape speed. Isn’t it just a matter of time?

The diagram shows a simple energy balance climate model in which the atmosphere and the surface of Earth are treated as two bodies each at constant temperature. The surface of the Earth receives both solar radiation and radiation emitted from the atmosphere. Assume that the Earth's surface and the atmosphere behave as black bodies.

$$\downarrow 344 \mathrm{Wm}^{-2}$$

$$\begin{array}{l} e=0.720 \quad \text { atmosphere } \\ a=0.280 \quad 242 \mathrm{~K} \end{array} \quad$$

Earth's surface $288 \mathrm{~K}$ Data for this model: average temperature of the atmosphere of Earth $=242 \mathrm{~K}$ emissivity $e$ of the atmosphere of Earth $=0.720$ average albedo $a$ of the atmosphere of Earth $=0.280$ solar intensity at top of atmosphere $=344 \mathrm{Wm}^{-2}$ average temperature of the surface of Earth $=288 \mathrm{~K}$ a) Use the data to determine: (i) the power radiated per unit area of the atmosphere (ii) the solar power absorbed per unit area at the surface of the Earth. b) It is suggested that, if the production of greenhouse gases were to stay at its present level, then the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere would eventually rise by $6 \mathrm{~K}$. Calculate the power per unit area that would then be (i) radiated by the atmosphere (ii) absorbed by the Earth's surface. c) Estimate the increase in temperature of the Earth's surface.

Suppose the density of the earth's atmosphere were a constant $1.3 \mathrm{~kg} / \mathrm{m}^3$, independent of height, until reaching the top. How thick would the atmosphere be?

A current density of $6.00 \times 10 - 13$ A/m2 exists in the atmosphere at a location where the electric field is 100 V/m. Calculate the electrical conductivity of the Earth’s atmosphere in this region.

Use the following terms to create a concept map: thermometer, barometer, anemometer, radar, radio-sonde, satellite, upper atmosphere, lower atmosphere, and weather instruments.

Why is deforestation often linked to global warming?

A. It increases the amount of dry land on Earth's surface.

B. It releases toxic gases and pollutants into the atmosphere.

C. It increases the amount of $\mathrm{CO}_2$ released into the atmosphere.

D. It decreases the amount of $\mathrm{CO}_2$ released into the atmosphere.

Excluding the radiation that is reflected and scattered back to space, does Earth’s atmosphere transmit or absorb most incoming solar radiation? The atmosphere ____ most incoming radiation.

Mars has an atmosphere composed almost entirely of carbon dioxide, with an average temperature of $- 63 ^ { \circ } \mathrm { C }$. What is the rms speed of a molecule in Mar's atmosphere?

Compare the properties of Titan’s atmosphere with those of Earth’s atmosphere.

The Aswan High Dam across the Nile River in Egypt was completed in 1970. The dam was built to increase the supply of irrigation water, control major flooding, and provide a source of hydroelectric power. Since the dam was built, however, there has been an increase in the incidence of schistosomiasis in the region. Why do you think this has happened?