Aerospace Dimensions Module 3 – Air Environment Exam 46
Questions and Answers
ionosphere - Answera region of the atmosphere where electrons are gained or lost
lapse rate - Answerthe rate of decrease with an increase in height for pressure and
temperature
mesosphere - Answera layer of the atmosphere extending from about 30 to 50 miles
ozonosphere - Answera region of the atmosphere where ozone is created
stratosphere - Answera layer of the atmosphere extending from the tropopause to
about 30 miles
thermosphere - Answera layer of the atmosphere extending from 50 to about 300
miles
tropopause - Answerboundary between the troposphere and the stratosphere
troposphere - Answerfirst layer of the atmosphere where most of the Earth's weather
occurs
autumnal (fall) equinox - Answerthe time when the Sun's direct rays strike the equator
resulting in day and night of equal length, usually on September 22nd or 23rd
Coriolis Force - Answerwinds associated with the Earth's rotation that deflect a freely-
moving object to the right in the Northern Hemisphere
doldrums - Answera global area of calm winds
global winds - Answerthe world-wide system of winds that transfers heat between
tropical and polar regions
jet stream - Answera strong wind that develops at 30,000-35,000 feet and moves as a
winding road across the US, generally from the west to the east
polar easterlies - Answerglobal winds that flow from the poles and move to the west
prevailing westerlies - Answerglobal winds that move toward the poles and appear to
curve to the east
radiation - Answerthe method by which the Sun heats the Earth
Questions and Answers
ionosphere - Answera region of the atmosphere where electrons are gained or lost
lapse rate - Answerthe rate of decrease with an increase in height for pressure and
temperature
mesosphere - Answera layer of the atmosphere extending from about 30 to 50 miles
ozonosphere - Answera region of the atmosphere where ozone is created
stratosphere - Answera layer of the atmosphere extending from the tropopause to
about 30 miles
thermosphere - Answera layer of the atmosphere extending from 50 to about 300
miles
tropopause - Answerboundary between the troposphere and the stratosphere
troposphere - Answerfirst layer of the atmosphere where most of the Earth's weather
occurs
autumnal (fall) equinox - Answerthe time when the Sun's direct rays strike the equator
resulting in day and night of equal length, usually on September 22nd or 23rd
Coriolis Force - Answerwinds associated with the Earth's rotation that deflect a freely-
moving object to the right in the Northern Hemisphere
doldrums - Answera global area of calm winds
global winds - Answerthe world-wide system of winds that transfers heat between
tropical and polar regions
jet stream - Answera strong wind that develops at 30,000-35,000 feet and moves as a
winding road across the US, generally from the west to the east
polar easterlies - Answerglobal winds that flow from the poles and move to the west
prevailing westerlies - Answerglobal winds that move toward the poles and appear to
curve to the east
radiation - Answerthe method by which the Sun heats the Earth
