Energy Transfer in the Atmosphere Chapter 4

Atmospheric Layers The exosphere blends into outer space. Temperatures in the thermosphere and exosphere are very warm. The troposphere is the layer of the atmosphere nearest to Earth’s surface.

Atmospheric Layers The stratosphere contains the highest concentration of ozone. If the ozone layer disappeared, life on Earth would be exposed to higher concentrations of ultraviolet radiation. Chlorofluorocarbons may be harming the ozone layer by destroying ozone molecules.

Atmospheric Layers Electrically charged particles are found primarily in the ionosphere.

Atmospheric Pressure Atmospheric pressure is greatest near Earth’s surface and decreases as you move upward away from sea level. There are fewer molecules of air at high elevations, so air pressure is less. Cold air has more molecules occupying a cubic centimeter of space than warm air; therefore, it has higher pressure.

Atmospheric Pressure The air above the equator rises because it has low density and low pressure. Air pressure is greatest at sea level.

The Sun’s Energy The Sun is the source of all energy in our atmosphere. Some energy from the Sun is reflected back into space, some is absorbed by the atmosphere and some is absorbed by land and water on Earth’s surface.

Reflection and absorption by the atmosphere prevent some radiation from reaching Earth’s surface. Not all areas on Earth’s surface receive the same amount of radiation because Earth’s surface is curved.

Air above the equator is heated more than at any other place on Earth because solar rays strike the equator more directly.

Energy Transfer Radiation is the transfer of energy in the form of rays or waves. Convection is the transfer of heat by the flow of a heated material. Conduction is the transfer of energy that occurs when molecules bump into one another.

Water Cycle

The process of water vapor changing to a liquid is called condensation.

The Coriolis effect is caused by the Earth’s rotation. The flow of air caused by differences in heating and the Coriolis effect creates distinct wind patterns on Earth’s surface.

Sea and land breezes are caused because the land heats and cools more quickly than the water. When cool, dense air from over the water flows inland, it’s called a sea breeze.

The prevailing westerlies are responsible for the movement of much of the weather across the United States and Canada. Steady winds between the equator and 30º latitude north or south are known as the trade winds.

The doldrums are a windless zone at the equator. There is little wind in the doldrums because the air expands, creating a zone of low pressure.