Author Question: Draw a diagram showing how air temperature normally changes with height. Begin at the ground and end ... (Read 59 times)

mynx · **on:** Jul 13, 2018

Draw a diagram showing how air temperature normally changes with height. Begin at the ground and end in the upper thermosphere. Be sure to label the four main layers. Give one important characteristic of each layer. Where on your diagram would the top of Mt. Everest, the ozone layer, and the ionosphere be found?
What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Although data indicates some improvement, there is still concern regarding the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere. Why would a decrease in ozone concentration be important?
What will be an ideal response?

Zebsrer · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 13, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANSWER: Diagrams should include the terms troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere. In the troposphere, temperature decreases with altitude, while in the stratosphere it increases with altitude, decreases again in the mesosphere, then rises again in the thermosphere.

The troposphere contains all the weather we see on Earth. In the stratosphere we see a temperature inversion. In the mesosphere the percentage of nitrogen and oxygen is approximately the same as at sea level. However, given air's low density in this region, humans could not survive breathing this air. The thermosphere is the so-called hot layer. Here, oxygen molecules (O2) absorb energetic solar rays, warming the air.

Since Mount Everest has an altitude of 8,848 m, the top of the mountain would be located in the troposphere; the ozone layer is located in the stratosphere; and the ionosphere is located in both the mesosphere and thermosphere.

Answer to Question 2

ANSWER: Stratospheric ozone is important because it shields plants, animals, and humans from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Stratospheric ozone provides a natural protective shield in the upper atmosphere so that plants on the surface may survive.