Earth's surface receives about twice as much energy from the atmosphere than from the sun as a result of ____.
A) the release of latent heat during condensation
B) conduction of heat upward from the surface
C) convection
D) absorbed infrared energy radiated back to Earth
E) direct absorption of sunlight by the atmosphere
Question 2Because it is located at middle latitudes, the United States is only rarely affected by polar and tropical air masses.
Indicate whether the statement is true or false
Question 3Large volcanic eruptions that eject sulfur-rich veils into the stratosphere tend to ____ at Earth's surface.
A) increase temperatures
B) increase precipitation
C) decrease temperatures
D) have no effect
Question 4The albedo of Earth's surface is only about 4, yet the combined albedo of Earth and its atmosphere is about 30. Which set of conditions below best explains why this is so?
A) high albedo of clouds; low albedo of water
B) high albedo of clouds; high albedo of water
C) low albedo of clouds; low albedo of water
D) low albedo of clouds; high albedo of water
Question 5Source regions for air masses tend to be generally flat or of varied composition, and in an area of light winds dominated by surface high pressure.
Indicate whether the statement is true or false
Question 6When Earth rotates on its axis and wobbles like a spinning top, it is known as ____.
A) obliquity
B) precession
C) radiative forcing
D) eccentricity
Question 7Although water vapor accounts for about 60 of the atmospheric greenhouse effect, it is the increase of ____ in the atmosphere that appears to be the main cause of global warming.
A) carbon monoxide
B) ozone
C) carbon dioxide
D) argon