ERTH 110- Exam 3 Questions and Answers | Graded A+ | 2026

ERTH 110- Exam 3 Questions and Answers | Graded A+ | 2026 What is the main external energy source for Earth? - answer-The Sun (solar radiation) What percentage of solar radiation is UV? - answer-10% What is the largest contributor to greenhouse gases? - answer-CO₂ (carbon dioxide) What is the most potent greenhouse gas? - answer-CH₄ (methane) What process describes the absorption and re-radiation of infrared by greenhouse gases? - answer-The Greenhouse Effect What happens to Earth's climate when energy in exceeds energy out? - answer-Warming occurs What is the difference between weather and climate? - answer-Weather is short-term atmospheric conditions; climate is long-term average patterns over decades. What drives the hydrologic cycle? - answer-Solar energy What is the sequence of the hydrologic cycle? - answer-Evaporation → condensation → precipitation What causes wind? - answer-Pressure gradients from uneven heating What are the three types of winds influenced by Earth's rotation? - answer-Trade winds, Westerlies, Polar EasterliesWhat is the primary cause of severe cold outbreaks? - answer-Polar vortex disruptions What is the most dangerous weather hazard? - answer-Extreme heat What are the stages of thunderstorm formation? - answer-Early (cumulus), Mature (updrafts + downdrafts), Dissipating (downdrafts dominate) What is the main cause of fatalities during tornadoes? - answer-Flying debris What conditions are necessary for hurricane formation? - answer-Warm ocean water (≥80°F), rising moist air, low pressure center, Coriolis effect What scale is used to categorize hurricanes? - answer-Saffir-Simpson Scale What were the damages caused by Hurricane Katrina? - answer-$125 Billion in damages What are the pros and cons of floods? - answer-Pros: Fertile soils, nutrient deposition; Cons: Loss of property, disease outbreaks, water contamination, infrastructure damage What type of flood is characterized by quick, dangerous conditions? - answer-Flash floods