1. HEAT ENERGY TRANSFER AND AIR TEMPERATURE

2. As we have seen, Earth’s Weather and Climate are the results of the intricate interrelationships between the Earth and the Sun, and between the components of our Atmosphere and Geosphere:

3. And we considered the definitions of Weather and Climate Weather: refers to the condition of atmospheric elements at a given time, and for a specific area. Climate: average of weather conditions for 30+ years (including atmospheric anomalies). We also asked the obvious question: How does Insolation relate to Heat Energy Transfer and to Weather and Climate phenomena on Earth?

4. Now, Let’s Recall the 5+ Basic Elements of the Atmosphere – the main ingredients of weather and climate -- Also called Elements of Weather and Climate In this segment, we’ll discuss the first two elements: Solar Energy -- Insolation and Heat Energy Transfer Temperature Temperature Pressure Wind Precipitation + Air Masses (and Fronts)

5. Heat and Temperature Heat vs. Temperature: Heat is the total kinetic energy of all the atoms that make up a substance, while Temperature is the average kinetic energy of the individual molecules of a substance. Heat is measured in Calories per gram Temperature in Fahrenheit, Celsius or Kelvin scales. Heating the Atmosphere: Creation of atmospheric warmth depends on:  the 47% of insolation reaching Earth’s surface (on both land and water); and  the transfer of heat energy from Earth back to the Atmosphere.

6. Processes of Heat Energy Transfer This is accomplished through a number of Physical Processes: Radiation: electromagnetic energy transferred from the sun (shortwave solar radiation), and through Earth radiation (long-wave infrared radiation). Conduction: Heat flows from hotter to colder body to equalize temperature, as along the interface of atmosphere and Earth’s surface [But this process is less significant because air is not a good conductor of heat]

7. Convection: vertical transfer of heat through the atmosphere and ocean, in the form of convection currents Advection: horizontal heat transfer, e.g., from Equator to Polar regions, through wind and ocean currents Latent Heat of Condensation: Latent Heat of Evaporation → Water Vapor (traps Heat) ↓ Latent Heat of Condensation → Water droplets (releases heat) plays a major role in energy transfer within the Earth System; the power of all severe weather is supplied by this process.

8. 6 Controls of Temperature  Often called Factors of Weather and Climate Latitude Land and Water Distribution Ocean Currents Altitude Landform Barriers (Cloud Cover) Human Activity – Destruction of forests, creation of reservoirs, urbanization (“Urban Heat Islands”) Broad Oceanic Circulation Patterns

9. 1.Short-term Variations in Temperature, due to: Annual and Diurnal Annual and Diurnal variations in Insolation Cloud Cover Cloud Cover – about 50% average cloud cover – cooler days, warmer nights Differential Heating of Land and Water Differential Heating of Land and Water – Maritime vs. Continental locations Reflection Reflection – albedo – high in snow and ice, low in forest cover Horizontal Air Movement Variations in Temperature

10. 2. Vertical Distribution of Temperature, reflected in: Normal Lapse Rate (3.6 o F/1000 ft) Temperature Inversions, e.g., in coastal areas, as in L.A. Surface Inversions – in the hilly areas – Fog and Frost

11. 3. Global Temperature Distribution manifested through: Isotherm Maps Temperature Gradient Annual March of Temperatures Climographs

12. Annual March of Temperatures (Climographs)