Know the standard Understand the structure of and processes within our atmosphere. ~ summarize information from charts and graphs regarding layers of the atmosphere, temperature, chemical composition, and interaction with radiant energy. ~ explain how air masses move (pressure differentials) ~explain how interactions of air masses form frontal boundaries, clouds, and affect wind patterns. (address precautions for severe cyclonic storms to preserve life and property) ~explain factors that affect air density and understand their influence on winds, air masses, fronts and storm systems. ~ use data to substantiate explanations and provide evidence of various air mass interactions. ~explain how acid rain is formed and how human activities can alter the pH of rain. ~ infer other human activities that impact the quality of atmospheric composition (aerosols, chlorofluorocarbons, burning, industrial, byproducts, over farming) ~exemplify methods to mitigate human impact on the atmosphere.

Atmospheric Gases Atmosphere surrounding earth extends from Earth’s surface to outer space. ~the atmosphere is a mixture of gases with some suspended solids and liquids. ~Nitrogen is the most common gas at 78%, Oxygen at 21% leaving the remaining 1% for trace gases. ~ water will make up 0-4% of the atmosphere. ~ when this percentage is higher it causes the other gases to be lower.

Other gases The atmosphere contains other gases, smog and pollution. The atmosphere contains other gases, smog and pollution. Type of smog affecting an area depends on the pollutants. Type of smog affecting an area depends on the pollutants. Car exhaust expels nitrogen oxides and unburned hydrocarbons. Car exhaust expels nitrogen oxides and unburned hydrocarbons. This pollution with oxygen and other chemicals in the presence of sunlight cause an LA-type, brown smog. This pollution with oxygen and other chemicals in the presence of sunlight cause an LA-type, brown smog. Sulfur oxides from burning coal or oil cause a gray smog. Sulfur oxides from burning coal or oil cause a gray smog. Los Angeles

Ozone Ozone is a component of smog. Ozone is a gas that occurs naturally in the stratosphere, but ozone is not normally found in the lower part of the atmosphere. When it is formed in the air above cities, ozone is considered a pollutant. In the lower atmosphere ozone can harm plants and damage lungs.

Atmospheric solids and liquids Gases aren’t the only thing that make up the atmosphere. Gases aren’t the only thing that make up the atmosphere. Dust, salt and ice are 3 common solids found in the atmosphere. Dust, salt and ice are 3 common solids found in the atmosphere. Dust gets in the atmosphere when wind picks it up and off the ground Dust gets in the atmosphere when wind picks it up and off the ground Ice is common in the form of hailstones and snowflakes. Ice is common in the form of hailstones and snowflakes. Salt is picked up from ocean spray. Salt is picked up from ocean spray.

Atmosphere contains liquid. Atmosphere contains liquid. The most common liquid: water found in droplets of clouds. The most common liquid: water found in droplets of clouds. Water is the only substance the exists as a solid, liquid, and gas in the atmosphere. Water is the only substance the exists as a solid, liquid, and gas in the atmosphere.

Structure of the atmosphere

Atmosphere Movie Part 1 Part 2