Heating of the Atmosphere

Radiation Transfer of energy as electromagnetic waves Earth receives only about two-billionths of sun’s energy Energy is absorbed by surface  heats surface

Conduction Transfer of thermal energy from one material to another by direct contact Always moves from warm to cold areas Air is heated by land and ocean surfaces

Convection Transfer of thermal energy by the circulation or movement of a liquid or gas Warm air : less dense  rises Cool air : more dense  sinks Cool air forces warm air up  cool air eventually heated by the ground Process known as a convection current

GreenHouse Effect Process of gases in the atmosphere trapping thermal energy (Earth’s heating process) Gases, such as CO2 and water vapor prevent heat from escaping to space

Global Warming Increase in average global temperatures Also known as “climate change” Results from increased greenhouse gases in atmosphere Human activity is leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions Burning fossil fuels and deforestation