1. Heating of the Atmosphere

2. Radiation Transfer of energy as electromagnetic waves
Earth receives only about two-billionths of sun’s energy
Energy is absorbed by surface  heats surface

3. Conduction
Transfer of thermal energy from one material to another by direct contact
Always moves from warm to cold areas
Air is heated by land and ocean surfaces

4. Convection
Transfer of thermal energy by the circulation or movement of a liquid or gas
Warm air : less dense  rises
Cool air : more dense  sinks
Cool air forces warm air up  cool air eventually heated by the ground
Process known as a convection current

5. GreenHouse Effect
Process of gases in the atmosphere trapping thermal energy (Earth’s heating process)
Gases, such as CO2 and water vapor prevent heat from escaping to space

6. Global Warming Increase in average global temperatures
Also known as “climate change”
Results from increased greenhouse gases in atmosphere
Human activity is leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions
Burning fossil fuels and deforestation