Atmospheric Heating

The Earth is warmed by the sun Heat Energy Transfer The Earth is warmed by the sun Thermal energy (Heat energy) moves from hot objects to cold objects.

Radiation Conduction Convection Heat is transferred in 3 ways… Heat Energy Transfer Heat is transferred in 3 ways… Radiation Conduction Convection

Radiation: Heat transfer through electromagnetic waves. Heat Energy Transfer: Radiation: Heat transfer through electromagnetic waves. (rays from sun)

Heat Energy Transfer: Radiation This energy moves through empty space or radiates out from heat sources. Earth only receives about 2/1,000,000,000 ‘s of the energy that comes from the sun

Heat Energy Transfer: Radiation Solar radiation drives our water and weather cycle and makes our planet habitable!

Heat transfer by touching Heat Energy Transfer 2.Conduction Heat transfer by touching

Heat Energy Transfer 2.Conduction Air molecules transfer heat by touching other molecules The Earth’s surface transfers it’s heat to the atmosphere through conduction

Heat transfer by circulation or movement of a liquid or gas Heat Energy Transfer 3. Convection Heat transfer by circulation or movement of a liquid or gas

Heat Energy Transfer 3. Convection Heat transfer by circulation or movement of a liquid or gas Heat energy in the atmosphere is transferred by convection

Cold air sinks Hot air rises Convection Currents!!!

Earth’s Heat Energy Budget The radiation balance (energy in must equal energy out!) For the Earth to remain livable we must balance our energy Too much coming in, warms us too much Not enough coming in, cools us too much

Earth’s Heat Energy Budget The Earth must also give off heat energy to keep the balance This balance between energy out and energy in is called the radiation balance.

Greenhouse Effect 70% of the energy that enters the Earth’s atmosphere is absorbed by clouds and the Earth’s surface This energy turns into heat and keeps the planet warm Our atmosphere acts like a warm blanket and keeps the heat in

Greenhouse Effect Greenhouse Effect--The process by which gases in the atmosphere (water vapor and carbon dioxide) absorb thermal energy and radiate it back to the Earth

Global Warming Over the last 100 years the average temperature of the planet has increased. Some scientists believe that our planet is warming due to the increase of gases that trap heat (Carbon Dioxide, Methane) Other scientists believe this is a natural cycle our planet goes through (ice ages and warming periods)

Earth’s Surface Sun