1. Energy in Earth’s Atmosphere
Section 16.1
Section 16.2

2. Energy From the Sun
Almost all of Earth’s energy radiates from the sun in the form of electromagnetic waves
Electromagnetic waves
- can move through empty space
- classified by wavelength

3. Energy in the Atmosphere
The amount of energy that reaches the
surface is affected by the atmosphere
Some sunlight is absorbed or reflected by the atmosphere before reaching the surface

4. Energy at Earth’s Surface
When Earth’s surface is heated, it radiates most of the energy back into the atmosphere
as infrared
radiation.
Not all the heat
escapes back
into space

5. Thermal Energy and Temperature
Temperature – the average amount of motion of each particle of a substance

6. Thermal Energy and Temperature
Thermal energy – The total energy of motion in the particles of a substance
Teapot and cup of tea have the same temperature.
The teapot has more thermal energy because it has more particles.

7. Measuring Temperature
Air temperature is usually measured with a thermometer.
Contains a liquid (mercury or colored alcohol)
that expands up the tube when heated.

8. Temperature Scales

9. Temperature Scales Converting temperature scales oC = 5/9 (oF – 32)
oF = 9/5(oC)+32

10. Heat Transfer Radiation – transfer of heat by electromagnetic waves
Conduction – transfer of heat by direct contact
Convection – transfer of heat by fluid movement and differences in density

11. Heat Transfer
The troposphere uses all three methods of heat transfer