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Questions for Thought
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1

What is the hydrologic cycle? Why is it important?
2

What is the meaning of "normal" atmospheric pressure?
3

Explain the "greenhouse effect." Is a greenhouse a good analogy for the earth's atmosphere? Explain.
4

What is a temperature inversion? Why does it increase air pollution?
5

Describe how the ozone shield protects living things on the earth's surface. Why is there some concern about this shield?
6

What is wind? What is the energy source for wind? Explain.
7

Explain the relationship between air temperature and air density.
8

Why does heated air rise?
9

Provide an explanation for the observation that an airplane flying at the top of the troposphere takes several hours longer to fly from the east coast to the west coast than it does to make the return trip.
10

If evaporation cools the surroundings, does condensation warm the surroundings? Explain.
11

Explain why warm air can hold more water vapor than cool air.
12

Explain why a cooler temperature can result in a higher relative humidity when no water vapor was added to the air.
13

What is the meaning of the expression, "It's not the heat, it's the humidity"?
14

What is the meaning of the dew point temperature?
15

Explain why frost is more likely to form on a clear, calm, and cool night than on nights with other conditions.





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