Atmosphere and Weather Patterns Taylor Science

Layers of the Atmosphere Troposphere Life, Weather Highest air density Temperature decreases with altitude Stratosphere Ozone Layer, jet planes, weather balloons Second highest air density Temperature increases with altitude Mesosphere Sounding rockets, meteors burn up Temp decreases with altitude Coldest layer Density decreases with altitude Thermosphere Satellites, space station Temperature increases with altitude Warmest layer Density decreases with altitude Exosphere Outermost layer Temperature decreases with altitude Lowest air density

Composition of Air

Water Cycle

Burning Fossil fuels Lightning and Precipitation Machinery and Fertilizer Bacteria transform in soil and water Animals eat Plants Plants absorb from soil and water Waste and decomposition of plants and animals Bacteria breakdown plant and animal matter Gas returns to the atmosphere

Clouds

Factor Affecting Weather Temperature- measures kinetic energy in molecules – Thermometer Humidity- measures water vapor in air – Hygrometer Pressure- measures the force air applies on a surface – Barometer Wind- horizontal movement of air – Anemometer

Air Density vs. Air Pressure An increase in air density results in an increase in air pressure. Air DensityAir Pressure

Temperature Higher the temperature = higher the kinetic energy Higher the temperature = lower the air density Higher the temperature = lower the air pressure Higher the temperature = lower the relative humidity

Pressure areas form how? Warm air rises and produces areas of low pressure. – Light and airy…it floats Cold air sinks and produces areas of high pressure. – Heavy and forceful…sinks

Wind forms when… Differences in air pressure are present. Air moves from areas of high pressure to areas to low pressure. Rising warm air creates low pressure Sinking cold air creates high pressure

Global Winds

Humidity Relative humidity compares: The amount of water in the air to the amount of water that can be in the air Example: The measuring cup can hold up to 2 cup. Filled 1 cup = 50% full Filled 1 ½ cup = 75% full Filled 2 cups = 100% full

Factors Affecting Relative Humidity Temperature

Saturation Saturation- When the rate of evaporation equals the rate of condensation Air reaches saturation when it passes 100% relative humidity. Dew Point- describes the temperature at which air reaches saturation.

Air masses

Fronts Fronts: the transition zone between two air masses of different densities.air masses Stationary Front A front that is not moving. Cold Front Leading edge of colder air that is replacing warmer air. Warm Front Leading edge of warmer air that is replacing cooler air. Occluded Front When a cold front catches up to a warm front.

Fronts