Practice identifying the layers of Earth's atmosphere and explaining common weather phenomena.
Read each problem carefully. Answer in complete sentences and show your thinking when needed.
Exploring the structure of the atmosphere and how weather forms
Earth Science - Grade 6-8
- 1
List the five main layers of Earth's atmosphere in order from lowest to highest.
- 2
In which atmospheric layer does most weather occur, and why does it happen there?
- 3
Explain the role of the ozone layer and identify the atmospheric layer where it is found.
- 4
A student says that airplanes usually fly in the troposphere because that is where storms are strongest. Correct the statement and explain.
- 5
Describe how temperature changes in the troposphere as altitude increases.
- 6
What causes wind to form?
- 7
Explain how clouds form from water vapor in the air.
- 8
Compare cumulus clouds and stratus clouds in appearance and the weather they often bring.
- 9
Why does warm air usually rise above cold air?
- 10
Describe what happens at a cold front and name one type of weather it can produce.
- 11
How is a tornado different from a hurricane?
- 12
Why are meteors most often seen burning up in the mesosphere?