Energy Transfer in the Atmosphere

1. Energy Transfer in the Atmosphere Some energy from the sun is reflected back into space, some is absorbed by the atmosphere, and some is absorbed by land and wateron Earth’s surface. Heat – energy that flows from an object with a higher temperature to one with a lower temperature. There are three types of heat transfer: Radiation– energy transferred in rays or waves Conduction– transfer of energy when molecules bump into each other through contact Convection– transfer of heat by the flow of a material a. In cold air, the molecules move closer together, making the air more dense, and air pressure rises. b. Cold air sinks, pushing warm air up, which then cools and sinks, forming a convection current.

3. Air Movement • Flow of air is caused by solar radiation and the Coriolis Effect 1. Areas of the Earth receive different amounts of radiation because earth is curved a. The equator receives more radiation b. Areas near the north and south, the sun’s energy strikes at an angle, spreading out the energy 2. Coriolis Effect – the rotation of Earth causes moving air and water to appear to turn to the right north of the equator and to the left south of the equator

4. Belts of prevailing winds that distribute heat and moisture around the globe are called global winds. 1. Prevailing Westerlies 2. Doldrums 3. Trade Winds 4. Polar Easterlies

5. Sea Breezes and Land Breezes 1. Sea Breeze – created during the day because solar radiation warms the land more than water a. Air over land is heated by conduction and rises b. Cooler, denser air flows toward the warmer, dense air c. A convection current results, and wind blows from the sea toward the land

6. 2. Land breeze – created at night, because land cools much more rapidly than ocean water a. Cooler, denser air above land moves over water b. Warm air over the water rises c. Wind blows from the land toward the sea