the atmosphere. significance of the atmosphere protection –meteoroids –high energy radiation...
TRANSCRIPT
The Atmosphere
Significance of the Atmosphere
• Protection– Meteoroids– High energy radiation
• Helps moderate temperature
• Just perfect for living things– Cellular Respiration vs Photosynthesis
Significance of the Atmosphere
Equation
Composition of the Atmosphere
Atmosphere Gases– Oxygen
• 21%
– Nitrogen• 78%
– Other Gases• Carbon Dioxide, Water Vapor, Argon, etc ---1%
– Solid Particles (most microscopic)
Characteristics of the Atmosphere
Atmosphere: What is it?
Characteristics of the Atmosphere
Troposphere
• Atmospheric layer closest to the Earth’s surface
• Water vapor (clouds and precipitation)
• WEATHER: (define)
Characteristics of the Atmosphere
Stratosphere
• The layer of the atmosphere that is above the troposphere
• Ozone layer (O3)
– Function: absorb harmful radiation• Warms up this layer
Troposphere vs Stratosphere Video
Characteristics of the Atmosphere
Temperature Inversion
When cool air gets trapped in-between the Earth’s warmer troposphere and the surface of the Earth
Characteristics of the Atmosphere
Why does Denver have a problem with the brown cloud or pollution sitting over the city?
Characteristics of the Atmosphere
Mesosphere
• The coldest layer of the atmosphere located above the stratosphere
• Most meteoroids burn up here
Characteristics of the Atmosphere
Thermosphere
• Atmospheric layer above the mesosphere
• No boundary—merges with space
• Temperatures reach a maximum of 1000°C (because molecules absorb solar radiation)
Characteristics of the AtmosphereIonosphere
• Not a distinct layer, but a regions of charged particles
• Important for radio communication
• Aurora
Energy and weather
Conductionthe transfer of energy as heat between molecule as they collide
Convectionthe transfer of energy by the movement of fluids
RadiationThe transfer of energy via electromagnetic radiation
Role of the Sun
Temperature Differences on the Earth due to incoming solar radiation:
Explain the amount of radiant energy per square mile—with pictures