Weather SOL 6.3 and 6.6

Earth’s Energy Budget 30% reflected back into space 70% absorbed by atmosphere, clouds, land, and oceans Ultraviolet radiant energy is changed to infrared on earth and then radiated back into space.

Earth’s Energy Budget

Energy Transfers Radiation brings all of the energy to the Earth from the sun Convection currents redistribute the energy throughout the atmosphere and the oceans.

Currents in the Atmosphere and Oceans It is currents that redistribute the energy all over the planet that comes from the sun. The average mean temperature is fairly warm because of these currents.

Cloud Formation Water evaporates into vapor, it then rises into the atmosphere. It is much cooler in the upper troposphere so the water vapor condenses forming clouds

Types of Clouds Fair now, bad weather in the next 24 hours Fair Weather Clouds CIRRUS Thunderstorm Clouds Days of rain Overcast drizzle Nimbostratus

Weather Causes Weather is caused by the unequal heating of the Earth’s surface. Warm air rises and cool air sinks Warm air is high pressure and cold air is low pressure Low pressure causes some of the worst weather on Earth

Atmosphere The Earth’s atmosphere is 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and the rest trace gases including; argon, carbon dioxide, and water vapor

Air Pressure Air pressure is the amount of air pushing down on us It is measured by a barometer Low pressure means lousy weather High pressure means fair weather Increase in altitude decrease in air pressure

Humidity Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air The more humid the air is the more uncomfortable you feel 100% humidity is fog It is measured with a psychrometer or hygrometer Dew point is the temperature at which the air becomes 100% humid

Atmospheric Layers There are 4 layers of the atmosphere Each is based on temperature Troposphere is where we live, all weather takes place, and clouds are found Stratosphere is where the jet stream and the ozone layer is found Mesosphere is the coldest and stops most meteorites burn up Thermosphere is the top layer, it is divided into the ionosphere (northern lights) and the exosphere (satellites)

Why Protect the Air?

Weather Maps

Weather Symbols

Isobars-connect areas of equal pressure

Are you feeling smarter? Only one more to go! Yeah right!!!!!!