Chapter 24.3Chapter 24.3Solar Energy and Solar Energy and

WindsWinds

Solar EnergySolar EnergyWhen solar energy reaches When solar energy reaches the atmosphere:the atmosphere:

Reflected back – 30%Reflected back – 30% Absorbed by atmosphere-Absorbed by atmosphere-

20%20% Absorbed by earth – 50%Absorbed by earth – 50%

Greenhouse Greenhouse EffectEffect

Energy reflected by Energy reflected by the earth’s surface is the earth’s surface is trapped by water trapped by water vapor and carbon vapor and carbon dioxide.dioxide.

How is Energy How is Energy TransferredTransferred

Within the Troposphere?Within the Troposphere? Radiation – land and water radiate Radiation – land and water radiate

heat back into the atmosphere.heat back into the atmosphere. Conduction – heats air in direct Conduction – heats air in direct

contact with the land and water contact with the land and water Convection – Currents form when Convection – Currents form when

hot air rises and cooler air sinkshot air rises and cooler air sinks

WindWindCaused by differences Caused by differences in air pressure.in air pressure.

Air flows from area of Air flows from area of high pressure to area high pressure to area of low pressure.of low pressure.

Local WindsLocal Winds Wind that blows over a short Wind that blows over a short

distance.distance. Daytime-Sea breeze-cool air Daytime-Sea breeze-cool air

from water flows toward landfrom water flows toward land Night time-Land breeze-Night time-Land breeze-

cooler air over land moves cooler air over land moves toward water.toward water.

Global WindsGlobal WindsWinds that blow over Winds that blow over long distances.long distances.

Convection cells – Convection cells – circulating air circulating air patterns.patterns.

Global WindsGlobal WindsTrade windsTrade windsWesterliesWesterliesPolar easterliesPolar easterlies

Coriolis EffectCoriolis Effect Causes global winds to Causes global winds to curve because of the curve because of the rotation of the earth.rotation of the earth.

Jet StreamJet StreamA belt of high A belt of high altitude wind in altitude wind in the upper the upper troposphere.troposphere.