AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Earth's Atmosphere
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the primary basis for dividing the Earth's atmosphere into distinct layers?
The layers of the atmosphere are defined based on their different temperature gradients at various altitudes.
Card 1 of 10
All Flashcards (10)
What is the primary basis for dividing the Earth's atmosphere into distinct layers?
The layers of the atmosphere are defined based on their different temperature gradients at various altitudes.
Thermosphere
The thermosphere is the fourth layer of the atmosphere, located above the mesosphere.
Troposphere
The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, closest to the Earth's surface.
If a weather balloon ascends from the ground and its sensors detect a shift from a decreasing to an increasing temperature gradient, it has likely crossed into which layer?
The balloon has likely crossed from the troposphere into the stratosphere, as the layers are defined by such changes in temperature gradients.
Exosphere
The exosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth's atmosphere, where it gradually fades into space.
What are the two primary characteristics used to describe the atmosphere based on the provided text?
The atmosphere is described by its structure, which includes layers based on temperature, and its composition of major gases.
List the five layers of the atmosphere in order, starting from the ground up.
The five layers are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.
What does the 'composition' of the atmosphere refer to?
The composition refers to the major gases that make up the atmosphere and their relative abundance.
Stratosphere
The stratosphere is the layer of the atmosphere located directly above the troposphere.
Mesosphere
The mesosphere is the third layer of the atmosphere, situated between the stratosphere and the thermosphere.