1. The Atmosphere and Climate

2. Atmosphere

3. Atmosphere The mixture of gases that surrounds Earth
Nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases are all parts of this mixture
These gases are constantly added and removed

4. Composition of the Atmosphere
78% Nitrogen
21% Oxygen

5. Not just gases
The atmosphere also contains atmospheric dust (many types of tiny, solid particles) in addition to gases.
Atmospheric dust can include:
Soil
Salt
Ash
Pollen
Bacteria and viruses
Aerosols – tiny liquid droplets

6. Layers of the Atmosphere
Four layers:
Troposphere
Stratosphere
Mesosphere
Thermosphere

7. Troposphere The atmospheric layer nearest the surface of the Earth
It extends to 18 km above Earth’s surface

8. Stratosphere The layer above the troposphere
Where the ozone layer is located

9. Mesosphere The layer above the stratosphere
Extends to an altitude of about 80 km

10. Thermosphere
Layer of the atmosphere furthest from Earth’s surface

11. Temperature in the Atmosphere

12. Energy and Heating Three mechanisms transfer energy from the sun:
Radiation
Convection
Conduction
Radiation - the transfer of energy across space and in the atmosphere
Convection - the transfer of heat by air currents. Hot air rises and cold air sinks.
Conduction - the flow of heat from a warmer object to a colder object when the objects are placed in direct physical contact

13. Heating Earth
Our planet only receives about two-billionths of the sun’s energy
About half the energy that reaches the atmosphere will pass though to Earth’s surface

16. Weather and Climate

17. The Earth Has Many Different Climates (1)
Weather
Climate
Air circulation in lower atmosphere due to:

18. The Earth Has Many Different Climates (2)
Currents
Prevailing winds
Earth’s rotation
Redistribution of heat from the sun

19. Natural Capital: Generalized Map of the Earth’s Current Climate Zones

20. Global Air Circulation

21. Coriolis Effect

22. Energy Transfer by Convection in the Atmosphere

23. Connected Deep and Shallow Ocean Currents

24. Thermohaline Circulation

25. Global Air Circulation, Ocean Currents, and Biomes

26. Greenhouse Gases Warm the Lower Atmosphere
CO2
CH4
N2O
Greenhouse effect
Human-enhanced global warming

27. Flow of Energy to and from the Earth

28. The Earth’s Surface Features Affect Local Climates
Heat absorption by land and water
Effect of
Mountains
Rain shadow effect
Cities
Microclimates

29. Rain Shadow Effect