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Understanding Earth's Atmosphere and Weather

Learn about the composition, structure, and properties of Earth's atmosphere, and how they influence weather and climate. Discover the difference between weather and climate, the layers of the atmosphere, and the effects of solar energy and heat transfer. Gain insights into greenhouse gases and their role in the Earth's temperature regulation.

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Understanding Earth's Atmosphere and Weather

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  1. The Atmosphere

  2. BIG Idea: • The composition, structure, and properties of Earth’s atmosphere form the basis of Earth’s weather and climate.

  3. Who studies atmospheric conditions? • Meteorologists…that’s who!

  4. How would you describe the difference between WEATHER and CLIMATE?

  5. I. Characteristics of the Atmosphere • Weather = day-to-day changes inatmospheric conditions. • These conditions include: • Temperature • Air movements • Moisture content

  6. Climate = general weather conditions averaged over many(about 30) years

  7. A. Composition of the Atmosphere • 78% Nitrogen • 21% Oxygen • 0.9% Argon • 0.1% Other

  8. Ozone – protects us from harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays Damaged by CFCs (poisons in ACs and refrigerators) Ozzy Ozone

  9. Have you noticed the weather today? How would you describe it?

  10. B. Properties of the Atmosphere • Temperature • Air Pressure • Humidity

  11. 1. Temperature • measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a material • more energy = moving faster = higher temperature • measured with a thermometer

  12. 2. Atmospheric (Air) Pressure • the ratio of the force of the air to the area of the surface on which it presses • the weight of the atmosphere pressing down on Earth’s surface

  13. BAROMETER • an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure

  14. a.Mercurial Barometer

  15. b. Aneroid Barometer • Aneroid = ‘without liquid’

  16. 3. Humidity • the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere at a given location on Earth’s surface

  17. C. Layers of the Atmosphere • Based on temperature differences, scientists identify four layers of Earth’s atmosphere • Each layer is separated by a “pause”

  18. Visualizing the Layers of the Atmosphere

  19. 1. Troposphere: all weather occurs here • Layer closest to Earth’s surface

  20. 2. Stratosphere: where most of the ozone is

  21. 3. Mesosphere: coldest layer (-90°C )4. Thermosphere: hottest layer (over 2000°C); nitrogen and oxygen atoms absorb solar energy

  22. Components of the Atmosphere - Quiz

  23. II. Solar Energy A. Radiation: all forms of energy that travel through space as waves

  24. What happens to solar energy that reaches Earth’s surface?

  25. reflected (sent in a new direction), or absorbed

  26. Why does the inside of a closed parked car heat up, while the windows stay cool?

  27. B. Greenhouse Effect: atmosphere traps (long) infrared rays • The Sun’s energy is trapped inside.

  28. What are the ‘greenhouse gases’ that trap heat within our atmosphere?

  29. Water vapor Carbon dioxide produced by humans burning of fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal)

  30. C. Heat Energy Transfer

  31. Convection: transfer of heat energy in gases or liquids due to density differences.

  32. 2. Conduction: transfer of heat energy through matter from particle to particle; most effective in solids.

  33. 3. Radiation: waves that directly transport energy through space; brings HEAT to our planet.

  34. III. Winds Created by uneven heat distribution at Earth’s surface The amount of energy reaching any given point on Earth’s surface is controlled by the angle of sunlight striking the surface

  35. What causes the amount of energy to vary? Hint: …

  36. Our tilt, and the seasons! Where on Earth will you receive more of the sun’s energy per unit area? Where will you receive less?

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