Name __________________________________________
Block ______________
Earth’s Atmosphere Study Guide
Chapter 1: Earth’s Changing Atmosphere (Vocabulary p. 36, Review p.37)
 1.1 Earth’s Atmosphere Supports Life (page 9)
Effects of Altitude on Air Pressure and Density
Major Gases in the Atmosphere, Percentages and Uses (Notes HANDOUT )
 Nitrogen, 78%, Oxygen 21%
 Carbon Dioxide
 Water Vapor (not in “dry air”)
 Carbon, Nitrogen and Water Cycles
1.2 The Sun Supplies the Atmosphere’s Energy (page 16)
o Heat Transfer in the Atmosphere
 Radiation, Conduction and Convection (see page 16)
o Layers of the Atmosphere - T S M T I E (Silly Sentences)
 Facts about each (Notes HANDOUT)
1.3 Gases in the Atmosphere Absorb Radiation (page 22)
 Greenhouse Effect
 Greenhouse Gases
 Electromagnetic Spectrum – based on the size of the wavelengths
 Infrared Light – longer than red wavelengths, less energy
 Visible Light – ROY G BIV
 Ultraviolet Light – shorter than violet wavelengths, high energy
 Ozone Layer
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o
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ESS 3
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Chapter 2: Weather Patterns (Vocabulary p.72, Review p.73)
 2.1 The Atmosphere’s Air Pressure Changes (page 43)
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o Effects of Altitude on Air Pressure and Density
o Barometers
2.2 The Atmosphere Has Wind Patterns (page 47)
 Definition of weather, wind
o Winds – caused by differences in Air Pressure (See WINDS Handout)
 Local Winds – Land and Sea breezes – what causes them?
 Monsoons
 Global Winds – What are they?
 Coriolis Effect
 Major Global Wind Belts – see page 51
 Jet Streams
2.3 Most clouds Form as Air rises and Cools (page 56)
 Evaporation and Condensation
 Precipitation
 Humidity
Chapter 4 Climate and Climate Change (Vocabulary p.140, Review p.141)
 4.1 Climate is a Long-term Weather Pattern (page 117)
o
o
o
Definition of Climate – Temperature and Precipitation
Factors Affecting Temperature
 Latitude, Altitude, Distance from Ocean, Ocean Currents
 Currents affecting East Coast and Cape Cod - Gulf Stream
 Currents affecting Cape Cod Bay – Labrador Current
Factors Affecting Precipitation
 Prevailing Winds
 Mountain Ranges (Windward, Leeward)
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Bourne Middle School
Grade 8 Science
ESS 2
Name __________________________________________
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Block ______________
4.2 Earth has a Variety of Climates (page 125)
 Major Climate Zones – Tropical, Temperate and Polar
 Effect of Windward, Leeward winds, Rain Shadow
4.3 Climates Can Change Suddenly or Slowly (page 132)
o Long Term Changes in Climate
o Evidences, Ice Ages, Causes of Climate Change (see Notes)
o Global Warming
 Greenhouse Effect
 Effects of CFCs, Fossil Fuels
Global Winds
Layers of the Atmosphere
Bourne Middle School
Grade 8 Science
ESS 2