1. Atmosphere Structure & Compostion

2. Energetic oxygen molecules
Solar radiation is absorbed by O2
99.9% of gas lies below this layer
Fewer gases absorb little energy
Little mixing of air, has beneficial ozone
O3 absorbs solar energy(UV-B & C) and pushes it downward creates isotherm
N2 (79%), O2(20%)
horizontal and vertical mixing of air
Convection creates cool air as it rises

4. Energy Budget. 100% insolation
30% is reflected back to space: clouds, atmosphere, earth’s surface
70% is absorbed mostly in the shorter wavelength solar radiation
51% by earth’s surface
19% by atmosphere & clouds

5. Light energy comes through the atmosphere….(U.V. Radiation)
..the energy is absorbed by the Earth…
…and radiated back as infrared energy…
…where greenhouse gasses retain the heat.

6. CO2
N2O
CH4
CFC
H2O

7. Atmosphere: Energy budget
Albedo varies with season and geography
Surface cover that has a high albedo
Snow & ice
Cloud cover
Aerosols