1. The Earth’s energy balance
Read pp

2. Terminology and concepts
Radiation
Convection
Conduction
Advection
Heat sink
Heat capacity
Incoming solar radiation

4. Reflection and Absorption of Energy
Solar energy powers the water cycle.
Solar radiation of light is measured in wavelengths:
long low energy wavelengths
short high energy wavelengths (harmful)
Draw figure 4 on p. 506 into your notes.
Absorbed light = heat
100% of the sunlight that reaches the inner atmosphere:
visible light
near & far infrared (heat)
1% UV rays
“Outermost atmosphere” screens out:
cosmic rays
gamma rays
x-rays
99% of UV rays

5. Radiation Is the transfer of energy by means of waves.
Solar radiation = sunlight.

6. Conduction
Is the transfer of energy (sound, heat, electrical) through the collision of particles, ie. Like heat along a spoon handle.
Through solid or liquid.
Occurs most easily in metals.
Also on Earth’s surface:
rock
sand
soil
water

7. Convection and Advection
Are the transfer of energy by the movement of particles in a fluid (liquid) such as water or a gas (components of the atmosphere).
Convection: transfers energy vertically.
Advection: transfers energy horizontally.

8. Water heats up by convection
Warm (hot) water is less dense (lighter) than cold water.
Cold water is more dense (heavier) than warm (hot) water.
A convection current is created by temperature differences.
Draw a diagram to show this effect.

9. The sun is the driving force behind weather...
As solar energy reaches the Earth, equatorial regions heat up more than the poles. Warm air and water at the equator travel pole-ward while cold air and water at the poles travel equator-ward in an attempt to equalize this temperature contrast. It is the atmosphere's continual struggle for temperature balance that brings us our changing weather.
Solar energy (radiation=waves) powers the movement of particles (molecules) of AIR/WATER/LAND resulting in weather systems (climate) on the Earth.

10. Types of energy transfer (movement)
Radiation - waves
Conduction - solid particles (in water)
Convection - vertical (movement in fluids - liquid or vapour (gas))
Advection - horizontal (movement in fluids - liquid or vapour (gas))
Convection and advection have the greatest impact on weather systems!
Oceans have the greatest impact on weather systems and climate. Why?

11. Heat sinks and heat capacity
Heat up slowly
Hold heat well
Release heat slowly
Heat capacity (specific heat) of a material determines how “good” a heat sink a material is.
Chart: p. 506 = Heat capacity refers to the amount of heat energy needed to raise 1 gram of a substance 1° Celsius (C).
“Best” heat sink on Earth = water = oceans!
Poor heat sinks heat up quickly, do not hold heat well, and release heat quickly, such as rocks, sand, soil = land.

12. Do you have your drawings completed?