1. Explain the following:
What is a temperature inversion in the atmosphere?
Where do the temperature inversions occur in the atmosphere?
What causes the major temperature inversions in the atmosphere?
2. The five boxes below represent a geologic cross-cut with five layers (A is on top and E is on the bottom). The types of rocks are listed on the right side. In each box, write the appropriate type of rock and explain the answer in relation to the history of the earth's atmosphere.
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A
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Limestone layers
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B
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Banded-iron formations
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C
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Metamorphic rocks with fine grains
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D
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Red beds
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E
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Chert layers
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3. The cities listed below, from Chicago to Pittsburgh, lie in a roughly straight west to east line. Data on temperature, barometric pressure, and sky conditions for each city are shown in the table below. Use the data to explain what types of air masses are present and/or moving among these cities and how this accounts for the weather. What will Pittsburgh's weather be like within the next 24 to 48 hours?
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City
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Temp (oF)
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Pressure (in.)
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Conditions
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Chicago, IL
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73
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29.94 rising
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Clear
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Indianapolis, IN
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75
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29.93 falling
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Partly cloudy
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Columbus, OH
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78
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28.20 falling
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Light rain
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Pittsburgh, PA
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74
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29.90 steady
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Mostly sunny
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