topic 4: insolation & temperature energy in earth-atmosphere system: -solar energy - geothermal...

Topic 4: Insolation & Temperature Topic 4: Insolation & Temperature

Energy in Earth-Atmosphere System:- Solar Energy- Geothermal Energy

Solar Radiation:- Electromagnetic Radiation or Radiant

Energy- Insolation- Insolation Patterns


- Insolation Patterns=> Daily Insolation patterns=> Annual Insolation Patterns=> Global Insolation Patterns

The Heating of the Earth-AtmosphereSystem- Heating and Cooling Processes in the

Atmosphere


The Heating of the Earth-AtmosphereSystem- Heating and Cooling Processes:

=> Radiation, Absorption=> Reflection, Scattering=> Transmission, Conduction=> Convection, Advection=> Adiabatic Cooling & Warming=> Latent Heat


The Heating of the Earth-AtmosphereSystem- Atmospheric Energy Budget- Latitudinal Radiation Balance- Land and Water Contrasts

Mechanisms of Heat Transfer:- Atmospheric Circulation- Oceanic Circulation


Air Temperature Patterns:- Vertical Air Temperature Patterns:

=> Lapse Rates=> Temperature Inversions

- Daily & Annual Cycles of Air Temperatures- Global Pattern of Air Temperature

Factors in the Variation of Air Temperature

Energy in Earth-Atmosphere SystemEnergy in Earth-Atmosphere System

What is energy? Energy is what causes changes in the

state or condition of matter:- what causes matter to move?- what causes matter to change direction? - what causes water to change from

liquid to vapor?.


The ANSWER to those questions is ENERGY

Many types of energy:- Kinetic Energy- Chemical Energy- Radiant Energy

Energy cannot be created nor destroyed but can change from one form to another


Two major sources of energy in the earth-atmosphere system:- Solar Energy (99.97%)- Geothermal Energy (0.03%)

Solar energy is produced in the sun by thermonuclear reactions (i.e., nuclear fusion of hydrogen to produce helium)


Geothermal energy comes from the interior of the earth and produced by radioactive minerals decay

Energy from these sources:- supports life on earth and- drives all atmospheric and weather

processes

The Electromagnetic RadiationThe Electromagnetic Radiation

Radiant energy from the sun is transmitted through space in the form of electromagnetic waves

No loss of energy as the waves travel through space

Though its intensity continuously drops with increasing distance from the sun because …….


Because electromagnetic waves spread out as they travel further away from the sun, thereby losing its intensity

Electromagnetic WavesElectromagnetic Waves

The Electromagnetic SpectrumThe Electromagnetic Spectrum

Electromagnetic waves are classified according to wavelengths and the electromagnetic spectrum contains various wavelengths

Important groups of wavelengths are:- ultraviolet waves (0.01 – 0.4µm)- Visible Light (0.40 – 0.7 µm )- infrared waves (0.70 - 1000 µm)


According to Wien's displacement law, the wave length of maximum emission is inversely proportional to the absolute temperature of the radiating body

Hence, the sun with a surface temperature of over 6000ºC (11,000ºF), propagates energy mainly in short waves (i.e., <4.0µm) * (a micron is one-millionth of a meter)

Short Wavelengths of Solar RadiationShort Wavelengths of Solar Radiation


In general, solar radiation comes mainly as:- shortwave radiation- visible light


The total amount of energy produced by the sun may vary slightly due to:

- changing distances of the sun from earth during the course of a year

- 11 years sunspot cycles


however, the amount of solar energy in vertical sun's rays striking a unit area (cm2) of the outer surface of the earth's atmosphere is fairly constant and called the solar constant

solar constant is 2gm calories per square centimeter per minute or (2gm/cm2/min) or (2 langleys/minute)


Note: 1gm cal/cm2 = 1 Langley or (1gm/cm2 = 1ly)

a gram calorie is the quantity of heat energy required to raise by 1oC of temperature of 1 gm of pure water

Solar Radiation: InsolationSolar Radiation: Insolation

Insolation is the amount of solar energy intercepted by the earth's surface

The actual amount received at the earth surface varies because of:

- variations in the angle of incidence of the sun's rays

- length of daylight and- insolation losses in the atmosphere


Solar energy amount and the angle of incidence of the sun's rays:

- vertical sun's rays striking at 90o

produce more intense solar radiation because:

Energy is concentrated over small areaLower loss of energy in rays traveling short distance through the atmosphere

Angle of Incidence of Sun’s RaysAngle of Incidence of Sun’s Rays


- oblique sun's rays striking at low angles < 90o produce less intense solar radiation because of:

the spread of sun's energy over a relatively large area

the longer travel distance of sun's rays through the atmosphere

Atmospheric Obstruction of Sun’s RaysAtmospheric Obstruction of Sun’s Rays


- the intensity or amount of sun's radiation per unit of surface area is affected by the angle of the sun's rays

Daily Patterns of InsolationDaily Patterns of Insolation

Insolation begins at sunrise & increases progressively to a peak at noon, and thereafter, decreases to zero at sunset

Insolation is highest at noon when the sun (solar altitude) is highest in the sky

Insolation is zero at sunrise or at sunset is when solar altitude lowest in the sky

Daily Cycle of InsolationDaily Cycle of Insolation

Annual and Global Patterns of Annual and Global Patterns of InsolationInsolation

Generally, insolation is highest in summer and lowest in the winter

Intermediate values of insolation are recorded in the fall and spring

The equator has insolation curve with 2 peaks recorded at each of the 2 equinoxes in March and September when solar altitude is highest

Insolation at Different Latitudes in a YearInsolation at Different Latitudes in a Year


Also, the equator has insolation curves with 2 minimums recorded at each of the two solstices in June and December when solar altitude is lowest

Insolation is highest in the tropics because solar altitude is very high and close to vertical all year round


Places within the tropics have insolation curves with 2 peaks recorded twice a year when the sun is directly overhead in their locations

Places between the Tropic of Cancer and the North Pole or Tropic of Capricorn and the South Pole have insolation curves with a single peak recorded during their summer solstice

Global InsolationGlobal Insolation

Atmospheric Heating and Cooling Processes Atmospheric Heating and Cooling Processes

The heating and cooling processes in the Atmosphere include:

=> Radiation, Absorption=> Reflection, Scattering=> Transmission, Conduction=> Convection, Advection=> Adiabatic Cooling &

Warming=> Latent Heat

Heating & Cooling Processes: AbsorptionHeating & Cooling Processes: Absorption

What is Absorption?

- it is the process of an object taking in the radiant energy striking it

- it cause the temperature of the absorbing object to increase

- good absorber include: rock, soil and dark-colored objects

Heating & Cooling Processes: AbsorptionHeating & Cooling Processes: Absorption

- black bodies like the sun and earth are both good radiators &

absorbers

- a total of 22% of solar radiation is absorbed in the atmosphere by

clouds, water vapor and dust particles

Heating & Cooling Processes: Reflection Heating & Cooling Processes: Reflection

What is Reflection?- It is the ability of surfaces to return electromagnetic waves back to space - cloud, snow, and other surfaces with whitish colors are good reflectors

- a total of 33% of incoming solar radiation is reflected back to space and unavailable to warm up the earth-atmosphere system

Insolation Losses in the AtmosphereInsolation Losses in the Atmosphere

Insolation Losses Percent Loss

Reflection Losses (Albedo)

Cloud Reflection 21%

Scattering and Diffused Reflection 4%

Earth Surface Reflection 8%

Total Reflection Losses 33%

Absorption Losses

Ozone Absorption 3%

Atmosphere Absorption 19%

Total Absorption Losses 22%

TOTAL INSOLATION LOSSES 33% + 22% = 55%

Heating & Cooling Processes: ScatteringHeating & Cooling Processes: Scattering

What is Scattering?

- It is the ability of particulates & gas molecules to deflect and re-direct

light waves

- Shorter waves, especially violet and blue lights, are more susceptible to

scattering


- light waves may be scattered back to space or re-directed through the atmosphere as diffused radiation

- Rayleigh Scattering occurs when thesize of the scattering gas molecule less than the wavelength of the incoming radiation and therefore causes violet to blue lights to be scattered to produce the blue sky


- Mie Scattering occurs when the radii of the scattering particle is greater than the wavelength of the incoming radiation

Atmospheric Heating and Cooling Processes: Atmospheric Heating and Cooling Processes: Absorption, Reflection & Scattering Absorption, Reflection & Scattering

the amount of solar energy received per square centimeter per minute at the earth surface is usually less than the solar constant because of energy losses in the atmosphere through:- reflection- scattering- absorption

The Fate of Solar Reflection Near or At The Fate of Solar Reflection Near or At Earth’s SurfaceEarth’s Surface

Insolation Losses in the AtmosphereInsolation Losses in the Atmosphere

Insolation Losses Percent Loss

Reflection Losses (Albedo)

Cloud Reflection 21%

Scattering and Diffused Reflection 4%

Earth Surface Reflection 8%

Total Reflection Losses 33%

Absorption Losses

Ozone Absorption 3%

Atmosphere Absorption 19%

Total Absorption Losses 22%

TOTAL INSOLATION LOSSES 33% + 22% = 55%

Solar Radiation Losses in the AtmosphereSolar Radiation Losses in the Atmosphere

Heating & Cooling Processes: ConductionHeating & Cooling Processes: Conduction

What is Conduction?- it is a molecule to molecule flow of

heat energy of a stationary body from its warmer molecules to the cooler molecules

- this is how ground surface heat is transferred to the lower

atmosphere by conduction


- But both earth surface materials and the air are poor heat conductors

- ence, the physical movement of air from the earth surface to spread heat energy to the lower atmosphere is predominantly by convection and advection


As a result, atmosphere is heated mostly from below rather than from above

Heating & Cooling Processes: Heating & Cooling Processes: ConvectionConvection

What is Convection?- It involves the vertical transfer of

heat by a moving substance or body

- For example, heated air molecules move vertically away to reach and warm up cooler molecules above

- Convection causes warm air to rise

Heating & Cooling Processes: AdvectionHeating & Cooling Processes: Advection

- when the convecting movement is horizontal, it is called advection

- Heat is advected from warm tropical areas toward the poles when warm winds or warm ocean currents move poleward

Heating & Cooling Processes: Heating & Cooling Processes: Adiabatic Cooling and WarmingAdiabatic Cooling and Warming

Temperature of ascending or descending parcel of air in the atmosphere changes by:- Adiabatic cooling- Adiabatic warming

Adiabatic cooling involves cooling by expansion of rising air parcel

Heating & Cooling Processes: Heating & Cooling Processes: Adiabatic Cooling and WarmingAdiabatic Cooling and Warming

Adiabatic warming involves warming by compression of descending air parcel

The Heating of the AtmosphereThe Heating of the Atmosphere Solar energy received by the earth

surface is utilized to warm up the earth-atmosphere system through: - Latent heat (50%) - Longwave (infrared) energy (38%)- Sensible heat (12%)

Longwave Radiation: - 38% of solar energy reaching the

earth surface is converted into longwave energy

Solar Radiation Redirected to the Solar Radiation Redirected to the AtmosphereAtmosphere

The Heating of the AtmosphereThe Heating of the Atmosphere

- earth re-radiates longwave energy in wavelengths between 5 & 30 microns or micrometer back to the atmosphere

- While the atmosphere is transparent to shortwave solar radiation, much of longwave earth radiation is blocked or absorbed in the atmosphere

The Heating of the AtmosphereThe Heating of the Atmosphere - The blockage causes the atmosphere

to heat up, a phenomenon called greenhouse effect

- Water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone & methane are greenhouse gases

because they allow the passage of shortwave solar energy but absorbs outgoing longwave radiation

The Heating of the AtmosphereThe Heating of the Atmosphere Latent Heat Energy:

- 50% of solar energy reaching earth surface is converted into latent heat

- It is energy stored in water and water vapor

- It is hidden and cannot be felt

The Heating of the AtmosphereThe Heating of the Atmosphere - Water changes to vapor by absorbing heat energy (latent heat of

vaporization) from its surrounding and causing a cooling effect

- Latent heat is carried into the atmosphere by rise air

- Hence, it is important in heat exchange between the earth surface and the atmosphere

The Heating of the AtmosphereThe Heating of the Atmosphere - Latent heat is converted into sensible when vapor changes back to liquid condensation) in upper atmosphere

- It is a great conveyor belt of heat energy between the earth and the atmosphere driven by convection

The Heating of the AtmosphereThe Heating of the Atmosphere Sensible Heat:

- 12% of solar energy is converted into sensible heat

- it is detectable by human sense of

touch and measurable with the thermometer

- it reaches the lower atmosphere from the earth surface through conduction, convection or advection

The Heating of the AtmosphereThe Heating of the Atmosphere As a result, atmosphere is heated mostly

from below rather than from above

Some of the total energy gained by the atmosphere is re-radiated back to the earth surface in the form of COUNTER-RADIATION

TThe Heating of the Earth-Atmospherehe Heating of the Earth-AtmosphereSystem: System: Radiation BalanceRadiation Balance

The amount of solar energy received by the earth surface is equal to the amount that the earth surface returns to the atmosphere in the form of longwave radiation, latent heat and sensible heat

The difference between the amount of solar radiation received and outgoing radiation from the earth surface is called net radiation

Simplified Energy BudgetSimplified Energy Budget

Detailed Energy BudgetDetailed Energy Budget


On a global and annual basis, net radiation is zero

Hence the global energy balance is zero

However, there are places where net radiation is well above zero, especially within the tropics or well below zero, especially in the polar regions

Net Radiation: Energy Surplus and Deficit AreasNet Radiation: Energy Surplus and Deficit Areas


In general, there is a significant energy surplus in the region between lat 40oN and 38oS

and a significant energy deficit in the polar regions outside the region of surplus


This general global imbalance in energy distribution is ameliorated by the re-distribution of heat by atmospheric and oceanic circulations


The air temperature of a place is closely related to its net radiation distribution

On a daily basis, temperature increases progressively during the day as net radiation increases and drops throughout the night as net radiation drops

Daily Cycles of Insolation, Net Radiation & TemperatureDaily Cycles of Insolation, Net Radiation & Temperature

Daily Cycle of InsolationDaily Cycle of Insolation

Daily Cycle of Net RadiationDaily Cycle of Net Radiation

Daily Cycle of Air TemperatureDaily Cycle of Air Temperature


On an annual basis, temperature is high in summer in most places because of the high net radiation recorded during that season and vice versa during the winter

Generally, the peak of air temperature often lags behind the peak of insolation or net radiation because of the extra time required to warm up the earth-atmosphere system

Annual Cycles of Net Radiation in Relation Annual Cycles of Net Radiation in Relation to Air Temperatureto Air Temperature

Air TemperatureAir Temperature

Air temperature is measured with a thermometer in degrees Celsius (ºC) or Fahrenheit (ºF)

From Celsius (C) to Fahrenheit (F) use:

o F = 9/5C + 32o From Fahrenheit (F) to Celsius (C) use:

o C = 5/9(F-32o)


Mercury-filled thermometers are commonly used to measure temperature

Digital thermometer equipped with thermistor are increasing being used today

There are over 5000 weather stations in the U.S. where air temperature is measured


Most weather stations report the highest and lowest temperature recorded during a 24-hr period using the maximum-minimum thermometers

The thermometers are often housed in a white wooden box shelter called the Stevenson screen

Stevenson Screen: Thermometer ShelterStevenson Screen: Thermometer Shelter

Vertical Air Temperature ProfileVertical Air Temperature Profile

Temperature varies both horizontally and vertically

Vertical temperature patterns also have direct influence on climatic processes

Under normal conditions, temperature decreases with increasing altitude within the troposphere


This is commonly referred to as the normal lapse rate condition

The normal lapse rate is 3.6oF per 1000 ft (or 6.5oF per kilometer or 1000 meters)

This rate is not always constant

Normal Topospheric Lapse RateNormal Topospheric Lapse Rate


In the lower part of the troposphere, temperature may increase upward for a limited distance according to:- season- time of day- amount of cloud cover

Such reversal of the normal lapse-rate condition is called temperature inversion

Temperature Inversion in Lower AtmosphereTemperature Inversion in Lower Atmosphere

Vertical Air Temperature Profile: Vertical Air Temperature Profile: Temperature InversionTemperature Inversion

It’s a condition where temperature increases with increasing altitude in the troposphere

It’s duration is usually short and restricted in depth

Occurs near the Earth’s surface as well as in the upper levels


Climatic Effects of Temperature Inversion:

- inhibition of vertical air movements and a general stagnation of the air - inhibition of precipitation formation process

- increased air pollution (no upward dispersal of pollutants)


There are two broad types of inversion: surface and upper air inversions

Surface air inversion consists of three types based on how they are formed:- Radiational Inversions- Advectional Inversion- Cold Air Drainage Inversion:


Radiational Inversion:- occurs at night when the sky is blue

& calm, especially during the cold winter seasons

- and surface cools rapidly due to rapid long-wave radiation loss - causes ground surface to be colder

than the air above


- Cold ground surface cools the air above by conduction

- Hence, the lowest few hundred feet of the troposphere become colder than

the air above

- common in temperate latitudes


Advectional Inversions: - caused by the horizontal inflow of cold air into an area

- common in coastal areas with on-shore cool maritime air flow

- inversion is shallow and short in duration & may occur anytime of the year


Cold Air-Drainage Inversions:- caused by cooler air sliding down the

hill slope into the valley

- descending air displaces the warmer air to cause an inversion

- common in winter


Upper Air Inversion:- occurs in the upper levels with a base

of a few thousand feet above ground

- common in winter in areas with high pressure conditions like the sub- tropical high pressure belt

- caused by air sinking from above

Temperature Inversion in Upper AtmosphereTemperature Inversion in Upper Atmosphere


Daily cycle of temperature is controlled by the daily cycle of net radiation

Daily minimum air temperature occurs just before sunrise

it attains a maximum at between 2 and 4 P.M. and drops throughout the night

Daily Cycles of Insolation, Net Radiation & TemperatureDaily Cycles of Insolation, Net Radiation & Temperature


Insolation begins at sunrise, attains a maximum at noon and ends at sunset

Similarly, net radiation is positive shortly after sunrise, attains a maximum at noon and reaches zero at sunset

When net radiation is positive, surface gains heat and loses heat when negative

Annual Cycle of Air TemperatureAnnual Cycle of Air Temperature

The annual cycle of net radiation drives the annual cycle of air temperature

Temperatures in equatorial regions change very little throughout the year

Temperature is uniformly high (81oF) with a small rise in temperature shortly after the equinoxes

Annual Cycles of Net Radiation in Relation Annual Cycles of Net Radiation in Relation to Air Temperatureto Air Temperature

Annual Cycle of Air TemperatureAnnual Cycle of Air TemperatureWithin the tropics, net radiation surplus

is large all year

Peak temperature occurs during or shortly after the summer solstice and lowest in winter solstice in the tropics

In the mid-latitudes, surplus net radiation occurs 9 months with deficit in winter


Air temperature shows similar patterns with high temperature range of >30oF in the mid-latitudes

In the poles, we have:- 6 months deficit net radiation - 6 months surplus, hence:- an extremely low winter temperature

of about -50oF and a summer peak of about 55oF


- and an extremely large temperature range of of up to (110oF)

In general, monthly temperature maximums and minimums occur later at coastal stations than at interior stations

Hence, the hottest month of the year for interior regions is July but in August at coastal locations (N.H.)


The coldest month for large interior land areas is in January but in February at coastal locations (N.H.)

The reason for the timing difference is the fact that oceans heat and cool more slowly than continents

Global Patterns of Air TemperatureGlobal Patterns of Air TemperatureAir temperatures decrease from the

equator to the poles and confirmed by - the east-west trends in isotherms from

the equator to the mid-latitudes, and- the circular isotherms in the polar regions

Large landmasses located in the subarctic and arctic zones develop centers of extremely low temperature

Average July Temperature PatternAverage July Temperature Pattern

Average July Sea-Level TemperaturesAverage July Sea-Level Temperatures

January Temperature PatternJanuary Temperature Pattern

Average January Sea-Level TemperaturesAverage January Sea-Level Temperatures

Global Patterns of Air TemperatureGlobal Patterns of Air Temperature

Centers of low winter temperatures:- North America (northern Canada,

-35oC or –32oF) - Interior Asia (Siberia, -50oC or -58oF)- Antarctica and Greenland

Temperatures in equatorial regions change little throughout the year


Isotherms make a large north-south shift from winter to summer over continents in the mid-latitude and subarctic zones

Highlands are always colder than surrounding lowlands

Areas of perpetual ice and snow are always intensely cold


Global pattern of annual temperature range:

- Annual range increases with latitude, especially over northern hemisphere

continents

- The greatest ranges occur in the subarctic and arctic zones of Asia and North America

Average Annual Temperature RangeAverage Annual Temperature Range


- The annual range is moderately large on land areas in the tropical zone, near the tropics of Cancer and

Capricorn

- The annual range over oceans is less than that over land at the same

latitude

- The annual range is very small over oceans in the tropical zone


Global air temperature patterns are controlled primarily by:

- Latitude- Maritime Effects- Continentality Effects- Elevation

Review Questions for Topic 4Review Questions for Topic 4

1) 1) In the first 11 miles above Earth’s surface, air In the first 11 miles above Earth’s surface, air temperature generally ___________ with increasing temperature generally ___________ with increasing elevation.elevation.

A. increases

B. decreases

C. stabilizes

D. reaches equilibrium

E. rises

1) 1) In the first 11 miles above Earth’s surface, air In the first 11 miles above Earth’s surface, air temperature generally ___________ with increasing temperature generally ___________ with increasing elevation.elevation.

A. increases

B. decreases

C. stabilizes

D. reaches equilibrium

E. rises

Explanation: The observed vertical change in temperature in the troposphere is decreasing with height.

Figure 4-27a

2) 2) The west wind drift forms as a result ofThe west wind drift forms as a result of

A. decreased Coriolis near the equator.

B. global warming.

C. the Arctic Ocean.

D. fewer landmasses near the poles of the Northern Hemisphere.

E. fewer landmasses near the poles of the Southern Hemisphere.

Figure 4-25

2) 2) The west wind drift forms as a result ofThe west wind drift forms as a result of

A. decreased Coriolis near the equator.

B. global warming.

C. the Arctic Ocean.

D. fewer landmasses near the poles of the Northern Hemisphere.

E. fewer landmasses near the poles of the Southern Hemisphere.

Explanation: In the Southern Hemisphere, fewer landmasses allow for a constant westward flow of ocean water near the South Pole, called the west wind drift.

Figure 4-25

3) 3) Even though no heat is taken in from an external Even though no heat is taken in from an external source, adiabatic warming involves warming by source, adiabatic warming involves warming by compression in __________ air.compression in __________ air.

A. sinking

B. rising

C. immobile

D. ascending

E. confused

3) 3) Even though no heat is taken in from an external Even though no heat is taken in from an external source, adiabatic warming involves warming by source, adiabatic warming involves warming by compression in __________ air.compression in __________ air.

A. sinking

B. rising

C. immobile

D. ascending

E. confused

Explanation: When air sinks, the air molecules become closer together, and their collisions increase. As the collisions increase, kinetic energy and temperature increase.

4) 4) ________ heat is required when water is converted into ________ heat is required when water is converted into ice.ice.

A. Latent heat of freezing

B. Sensible heat of freezing

C. Latent heat of melting

D. Latent heat of condensation

E. Latent heat of vaporization

4) 4) ________ heat is required when water is converted into ________ heat is required when water is converted into ice.ice.

A. Latent heat of freezing

B. Sensible heat of freezing

C. Latent heat of melting

D. Latent heat of condensation

E. Latent heat of vaporization

Explanation: When water is converted to ice, the process of freezing takes place. Extra heat release is required to freeze liquid water, called latent heat of freezing.

5) 5) Incoming solar energy is redirected by particulate Incoming solar energy is redirected by particulate matter and gas molecules in the atmosphere, therefore matter and gas molecules in the atmosphere, therefore lost to Earth through what process?lost to Earth through what process?

A. Tropospheric repulsion

B. Terrestrial emission

C. Reflection

D. Absorption

E. Scattering

5) 5) Incoming solar energy is redirected by particulate Incoming solar energy is redirected by particulate matter and gas molecules in the atmosphere, therefore matter and gas molecules in the atmosphere, therefore lost to Earth through what process?lost to Earth through what process?

A. Tropospheric repulsion

B. Terrestrial emission

C. Reflection

D. Absorption

E. Scattering

Explanation: As radiation collides with particulate matter, it is evenly scattered in All directions away from the particle. Some of thisscattered radiation is lost to space.

6) 6) The main source of energy for Earth’s atmosphere is heatThe main source of energy for Earth’s atmosphere is heat

A. radiated by millions of other stars besides the sun.

B. from solar insolation (Sun).

C. generated by gigantic tidal waves.

D. released as radioactive minerals decay at great depth.

E. released on the ocean floor through hydrothermal vents.

6) 6) The main source of energy for Earth’s atmosphere is heatThe main source of energy for Earth’s atmosphere is heat

A. radiated by millions of other stars besides the sun.

B. from solar insolation (Sun).

C. generated by gigantic tidal waves.

D. released as radioactive minerals decay at great depth.

E. released on the ocean floor through hydrothermal vents.

Explanation: Incoming solar radiation accounts for a vast majority of all energy that Earth’s atmosphere acquires.

Figure 4-17

7) 7) The world’s largest annual temperature range typically The world’s largest annual temperature range typically occurs in the interior of what latitudes?occurs in the interior of what latitudes?

A. Low

B. High

C. Middle

D. Eastern

E. Southern

Figure 4-32

7) 7) The world’s largest annual temperature range typically The world’s largest annual temperature range typically occurs in the interior of what latitudes?occurs in the interior of what latitudes?

A. Low

B. High

C. Middle

D. Eastern

E. Southern

Explanation: Interior high latitudes have the greatest variation in solar angle, and are not subject to the temperature constraints of a maritime climate. Thus, these are the regions of greatest annual temperature variation.

8) 8) Which of these geographic regions would be Which of these geographic regions would be characterized by a high albedo?characterized by a high albedo?

A. The rain forests

B. The oceans

C. The Arctic

D. The plains

E. The Great LakesFigure 4-G

8) 8) Which of these geographic regions would be Which of these geographic regions would be characterized by a high albedo?characterized by a high albedo?

A. The rain forests

B. The oceans

C. The Arctic

D. The plains

E. The Great Lakes

Explanation: Ice cover in the Arctic is white, which is a highly reflective surface. As a result, the albedo in the polar regions in both hemispheres is typically very high.

9) 9) Which of the following could NOT be a cause for land Which of the following could NOT be a cause for land warming faster than water?warming faster than water?

A. Water has lower sensible heat

B. Water has higher sensible heat

C. Water has more evaporative cooling

D. Water is in constant motion

E. Water has limited transmission

Figure 4-23

9) 9) Which of the following could NOT be a cause for land Which of the following could NOT be a cause for land warming faster than water?warming faster than water?

A. Water has lower sensible heat

B. Water has higher sensible heat

C. Water has more evaporative cooling

D. Water is in constant motion

E. Water has limited transmission

Explanation: The higher sensible heat value for water allows it to absorb more heat before its temperature rises. If water had a lower sensible heat than land, its temperature would rise more quickly than land’s temperature!

10) 10) Which phrase best describes global warming?Which phrase best describes global warming?

A. Global carbon dioxide levels are sinking

B. Global temperatures are cooling

C. Ocean temperatures are warming

D. Earth’s core is warming

E. The greenhouse effect is increasing

Figure 4-35

10) 10) Which phrase best describes global warming?Which phrase best describes global warming?

A. Global carbon dioxide levels are sinking

B. Global temperatures are cooling

C. Ocean temperatures are warming

D. Earth’s core is warming

E. The greenhouse effect is increasing

Explanation: Increased carbon dioxide is contributing to an enhanced greenhouse effect, which in turn is increasing global temperatures. This process is called global warming.

Figure 4-35

Review Questions for Topic 3

1) 1) The main surface currents in the major ocean basinsThe main surface currents in the major ocean basins assist in the heat transfer around the world by moving assist in the heat transfer around the world by moving

A. warm water from the NorthernHemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere.

B. cool water from the poles to the tropics.

C. warm water from the poles to the tropics.

D. cool water from the tropics to the poles.

E. warm water from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere.

Figure 3-18

1) 1) The main surface currents in the major ocean basinsThe main surface currents in the major ocean basins assist in the heat transfer around the world by moving assist in the heat transfer around the world by moving

A. warm water from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere.

B. cool water from the poles to the tropics.

C. warm water from the poles to the tropics.

D. cool water from the tropics to the poles.

E. warm water from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere.

Explanation: Northerly ocean currents from the poles to the tropics transport cooler water from higher latitudes to lower latitudes.

Figure 3-18

2) 2) An example of climate (versus weather) for a givenAn example of climate (versus weather) for a given area is area is

A. the air temperature reached 78°F today.

B. rain showers are predicted for next Saturday.

C. the record high temperature is 122°F.

D. the average rainfall in April is 15 inches.

E. thunderstorms occurred last Mother’s day.

2) 2) An example of climate (versus weather) for a givenAn example of climate (versus weather) for a given area is area is

A. the air temperature reached 78°F today.

B. rain showers are predicted for next Saturday.

C. the record high temperature is 122°F.

D. the average rainfall in April is 15 inches.

E. thunderstorms occurred last Mother’s day.

Explanation: Climate describes weather conditions over a long period. So, an average weather condition over a span of many months would be a climate condition

3) 3) Temperature decreases with increasing elevation in Temperature decreases with increasing elevation in which thermal atmospheric layers?which thermal atmospheric layers?

A. Troposphere and stratosphere

B. Thermosphere and mesosphere

C. Troposphere and mesosphere

D. Troposphere only

E. Stratosphere and thermosphere

3) 3) Temperature decreases with increasing elevation in Temperature decreases with increasing elevation in which thermal atmospheric layers?which thermal atmospheric layers?

A. Troposphere and stratosphere

B. Thermosphere and mesosphere

C. Troposphere and mesosphere

D. Troposphere only

E. Stratosphere and thermosphere

Explanation: In Figure 3-5, we see that temperature values decrease as you ascend in the image. Through the remaining layers, temperature increases with height.

A. Nitrogen

B. Ozone

C. Carbon dioxide

D. Oxygen

E. Water vapor

4) _______ is the most plentiful variable gas in the atmosphere. However, it varies in location, not in time.

4) 4) _______ is the most plentiful _______ is the most plentiful variable gas in the atmosphere. variable gas in the atmosphere. However, it varies in location, However, it varies in location, not in time. not in time.

A. Nitrogen

B. Ozone

C. Carbon dioxide

D. Oxygen

E. Water vapor

Explanation: Water vapor in the atmosphere is highly variable, falling out as precipitation and being replenished by water sources. Its composition can vary from 0-4% of the total atmosphere.

5) 5) Oxygen accounts for what proportion of the of the volumeOxygen accounts for what proportion of the of the volume of gases in the atmosphere? of gases in the atmosphere?

A. 21%

B. 78%

C. 0.037%

D. 1-4%

E. 0.9%

Figure 3-1

5) 5) Oxygen accounts for what proportion of the of the volume Oxygen accounts for what proportion of the of the volume

of gases in the atmosphere? of gases in the atmosphere?

A. 21%

B. 78%

C. 0.037%

D. 1-4%

E. 0.9%

Explanation: While oxygen is the most important element for life, it makes up a relatively small percentage of the atmosphere when compared to nitrogen.

6) If a wind of 55 mph were subjected to a Coriolis force6) If a wind of 55 mph were subjected to a Coriolis force that is double what exists on Earth, what would its that is double what exists on Earth, what would its new speed be? new speed be?

A. 110 mph

B. 27.5 mph

C. 45 mph

D. 0 mph

E. 55 mph

Figure 3-22

6) If a wind of 55 mph were subjected to a Coriolis force 6) If a wind of 55 mph were subjected to a Coriolis force

that is double what exists on Earth, what would its that is double what exists on Earth, what would its new speed be? new speed be?

A. 110 mph

B. 27.5 mph

C. 45 mph

D. 0 mph

E. 55 mph

Explanation: The Coriolis force affects the direction of motion, but not the speed. Doubling the Coriolis force will not affect the speed of the wind.

7) The aurora borealis typically occurs in7) The aurora borealis typically occurs in

A. the homosphere.

B. the troposphere.

C. the ionosphere.

D. the stratosphere.

E. the mesosphere.

Figure 3-10

7) The aurora borealis typically occurs in7) The aurora borealis typically occurs in

A. the homosphere.

B. the troposphere.

C. the ionosphere.

D. the stratosphere.

E. the mesosphere.

Explanation: In the ionosphere, charged particles interacting with ultraviolet solar Radiation cause these particles to glow, forming the aurora phenomena.

Figure 3-10

8) Which of the following is an example of a secondary 8) Which of the following is an example of a secondary pollutant?pollutant?

A. Carbon monoxide

B. Carbon dioxide

C. Particulates

D. Smog

E. CFCs

8) Which of the following is an example of a secondary 8) Which of the following is an example of a secondary pollutant?pollutant?

A. Carbon monoxide

B. Carbon dioxide

C. Particulates

D. Smog

E. CFCs

Explanation: Secondary pollutants form as a result of a process from a primary pollutant. Smog forms when smoke mixes with fog, so it is a secondary pollutant.

9) Ozone is depleted by CFCs. What is the primary 9) Ozone is depleted by CFCs. What is the primary atom in the CFC molecule that is responsible for atom in the CFC molecule that is responsible for ozone depletion?ozone depletion?

A. Oxygen

B. Fluoride

C. Fluorine

D. Chloride

E. Chlorine

9) Ozone is depleted by CFCs. What is the primary 9) Ozone is depleted by CFCs. What is the primary atom in the CFC molecule that is responsible for atom in the CFC molecule that is responsible for ozone depletion?ozone depletion?

A. Oxygen

B. Fluoride

C. Fluorine

D. Cchloride

E. Chlorine

Explanation: The chlorine atom in a CFC molecule attracts oxygen atoms from ozone, causing the ozone molecule to break into a regular oxygen molecule, resulting in ozone depletion.

10) Los Angeles, California and Dallas, Texas have 10) Los Angeles, California and Dallas, Texas have vastly different climates, despite existing at the vastly different climates, despite existing at the same latitude. What causes the climate difference?same latitude. What causes the climate difference?

A. Proximity to a desert

B. Sun is more directly overhead in Dallas

C. Los Angeles is near mountains

D. Dallas is in the Plains

E. Dallas is continental; Los Angeles is maritime.

10) Los Angeles, California and Dallas, Texas have 10) Los Angeles, California and Dallas, Texas have vastly different climates, despite existing at the vastly different climates, despite existing at the same latitude. What causes the climate difference?same latitude. What causes the climate difference?

A. Proximity to a desert

B. Sun is more directly overhead in Dallas

C. Los Angeles is near mountains

D. Dallas is in the Plains

E. Dallas is continental; Los Angeles is maritime.

Explanation: LA’s proximity to water allows for a less variable climate in terms of temperature. In general, maritime regions have a less volatile climate than continental regions.

topic 4: insolation & temperature energy in earth-atmosphere system: -solar energy - geothermal...

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