1. Earth’s Changing Atmosphere
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Earth’s Changing Atmosphere
the BIG idea
Earth’s atmosphere is a blanket of gases that supports and protects life.
15.1
Earth’s atmosphere supports life.
15.2
The Sun supplies the atmosphere’s energy.
15.3
Gases in the atmosphere absorb radiation.
15.4
Human activities affect the atmosphere.
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2. Earth’s atmosphere supports life.
15.1
Earth’s atmosphere supports life.
The atmosphere is a thin layer surrounding Earth. Gases in the atmosphere provide substances essential for living things. Natural cycles and sudden changes affect the atmosphere.
atmosphere
altitude
density
cycle
Gases of Earth's Atmosphere
click image to enlarge
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3. The Sun supplies the atmosphere’s energy.
15.2
The Sun supplies the atmosphere’s energy.
Energy from the Sun moves through Earth's atmosphere in three ways.
radiation
conduction
Transfer of Energy
Radiation, conduction, and convection move energy from place to place.
convection
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4. The Sun supplies the atmosphere’s energy.
15.2
The Sun supplies the atmosphere’s energy.
Energy from the Sun moves through Earth's atmosphere in three ways.
radiation
conduction
convection
VISUALIZATION
See radiation, conduction, and convection in action.
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5. The Sun supplies the atmosphere’s energy.
15.2
The Sun supplies the atmosphere’s energy.
Density and temperature change with altitude. The layers, from top to bottom, are
radiation
conduction
• thermosphere
convection
• mesosphere
• stratosphere
• troposphere
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6. Gases in the atmosphere absorb radiation.
15.3
Gases in the atmosphere absorb radiation.
Ozone molecules in the stratosphere absorb harmful ultraviolet radiation.
ultraviolet radiation
infrared radiation
ozone
greenhouse effect
greenhouse gas
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7. Gases in the atmosphere absorb radiation.
15.3
Gases in the atmosphere absorb radiation.
Greenhouse gases in the troposphere keep Earth warm by absorbing and emitting infrared radiation.
ultraviolet radiation
infrared radiation
ozone
greenhouse effect
greenhouse gas
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8. Gases in the atmosphere absorb radiation.
15.3
Gases in the atmosphere absorb radiation.
Greenhouse gases in the troposphere keep Earth warm by absorbing and emitting infrared radiation.
ultraviolet radiation
infrared radiation
ozone
greenhouse effect
greenhouse gas
VISUALIZATION
See how the greenhouse effect works.
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9. Human activities affect the atmosphere.
15.4
Human activities affect the atmosphere.
Human activities have added pollutants and ozone-destroying chemicals to the atmosphere.
air pollution
particulate
fossil fuel
Natural Sources
• dust, pollen, soil, salt
• volcanoes and forest fires:
gases and particles
Human Activities
• fossil fuels: gases and particles
• unburned fuels: smog
• manufacturing: gases and particles
• tractors/construction equipment:
dust and soil
• farming: fertilizers and pesticides
smog
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10. Human activities affect the atmosphere.
15.4
Human activities affect the atmosphere.
The amounts of greenhouse gases have been increasing and global temperatures are rising.
air pollution
particulate
fossil fuel
smog
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11. 15.1 Earth’s atmosphere supports life.
I. Earth’s atmosphere supports life.
atmosphere
A. The atmosphere makes life on Earth possible.
altitude
1. Characteristics of the Atmosphere
density
2. Materials in the Atmosphere
cycle
B. Natural processes modify the atmosphere.
1. Ongoing Processes
2. Sudden Changes
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KEY CONCEPT
SUMMARY

12. 15.2 The Sun supplies the atmosphere’s energy.
II. The Sun supplies the atmosphere’s energy.
radiation
A. Energy from the Sun heats the atmosphere.
conduction
B. The atmosphere moves energy.
convection
C. The atmosphere has temperature layers.
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KEY CONCEPT
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13. 15.3 Gases in the atmosphere absorb radiation.
III. Gases in the atmosphere absorb radiation.
ultraviolet radiation
A. Gases can absorb and give off radiation.
infrared radiation
B. The ozone layer protects life from harmful radiation.
ozone
greenhouse effect
C. The greenhouse effect keeps Earth warm.
greenhouse gas
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KEY CONCEPT
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14. 15.4 Human activities affect the atmosphere.
IV. Human activities affect the atmosphere.
air pollution
A. Human activity can cause air pollution.
particulate
1. Types of Pollution
fossil fuel
2. Effects of Pollution
smog
3. Controlling Pollution
B. Human activities are increasing greenhouse
gases.
1. Sources of Greenhouse Gases
2. Global Warming
3. Reducing Greenhouse Gases
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C. Human activities produce chemicals that destroy the ozone layer.
KEY CONCEPT
SUMMARY

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