The difference between the atmosphere's "permanent" gasses and "variable" gasses is that:
A)permanent gasses exchange rapidly between the atmosphere and the biosphere.
B)variable gasses are so called because of their horizontal displacement.
C)permanent gasses exhibit a constant proportion from the earth's surface to higher reaches of the atmosphere.
D)variable gasses are dependent on storms for world-wide dispersion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Permanent gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, and argon, maintain a consistent proportion from the Earth's surface to higher altitudes, while variable gases, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane, exhibit significant fluctuations in concentration depending on various factors such as weather patterns and human activities. Option A is incorrect because permanent gases exchange slowly with the biosphere, not rapidly. Option B is incorrect as the names of gases are not based on their horizontal displacement. Option D is incorrect as stormy weather affects the local distribution of variable gases, but their global dispersion is mainly determined by atmospheric circulation patterns.

The Difference Between the Atmosphere's "Permanent" Gasses and "Variable" Gasses