1. The Atmosphere Weather Dynamics Science 10 - Student Handout Source: Nelson Science 10 Text 13.4 ~ Page 510 Image from: http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/earth/weather.html http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/earth/weather.html

2. Atmosphere Consult diagram on page 511 It surrounds us (wind, the sky, when you take a breath) “is the blanket of air and moisture that surrounds Earth” (Nelson Science 10). Most dense at sea level, less dense higher in the atmosphere (510)

3. Layers... Altitude: “the __________ above sea level, usually measured in metres (m) or kilometres (km). (Altitude can also be called _____________.)” (Nelson Science 10). Are thickest at the _______________  Air is warmer above the equator and expands = takes up more room  Air at the poles is colder and takes up less room. (Nelson 510)

4. Astronomy 161 - http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/earth/atmosphere.html

5. Troposphere:  __________ to earth’s surface  Up to _______ km at equator (8km at poles)  Contains most of the ____________  Responsible for our _____________ patterns  Temperature decreases as altitude increases (Nelson 510)  Troposphere Images http://www.mardiros.net/atmosphere/troposphere.html

6. Tropopause  Temperature rises because of ______________ (absorbs energy from the sun)  Temperature difference keeps layers separated (Nelson 511)

7. Stratosphere:  Dry layer  ____________ km  _________________ concentrations of ozone This ozone layer helps to protect the earth from harmful uv rays.  Temperature of this layer increases with altitude.  ** Ozone near the ground in not helpful like it is in the upper atmosphere. (Nelson Science 10 511)  Stratosphere http://www.mardiros.net/atmosphere/stratosp here.html http://www.mardiros.net/atmosphere/stratosp here.html

8. Mesosphere  ___________ layer  ____________ km  ______________ temperature  _______________ density of gases  All parts of the atmosphere up to this point (except for water vapour and ozone concentrations) are fairly similar in make up. (Nelson Science 10 511)  Mesosphere: http://www.mardiros.net/atmosphere/mesosphere.html

9. Thermosphere (Ionosphere)  _________________ km  _________ density  Molecules have more energy = higher ________  ______________ are absorbed in this layer (part of the reason the temperature is higher)  _____________________: higher energy radiation from the sun causes particles to become electrically charged i.e. Auroras (Northern/Southern Lights) (Nelson Science 10 511)

10. Examples of Auroras Auroras: the Northern and Southern Lights http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/le ct/earth/aurora.html Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) – Taken from the Space Shuttle EndeavourAurora Australis

11. Website Examples of Auroras Michigan Tech – Aurora Page  http://www.geo.mtu.edu/weather/aurora/ http://www.geo.mtu.edu/weather/aurora/ Auroras – The Northern and Southern Lights  http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/e arth/aurora.html http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/e arth/aurora.html

12. Exosphere  “thin _____________ layer of the atmosphere” (Nelson Science 10 511).  There are a few hydrogen particles widely spaced apart.  Can be considered “_____________” Nelson Science 10 511  Exosphere: http://www.mardiros.net/atmosphere/exosphe re.html http://www.mardiros.net/atmosphere/exosphe re.html

13. Temperature Gradient  “the change of temperature over a __________” (Nelson Science 10 511). For example, in the troposphere the temperature decrease -6 C for every 1000m. Other layers are less consistent Nelson Science 10 511

14. Supporting Life  The atmosphere provides: __________ & Nitrogen = support life ____________________ dioxide = needed by plants for photosynthesis Ozone absorbs ______________ radiation Part of the _____________ cycle Protection from meteorites (burn up in the atmosphere because of the friction) Helps keep the average temperature in a range that can support ____________________. _________________________ and carbon dioxide trap heat energy from the ground Circulates air to maintain an energy balance (Nelson Science 10 511-512)

15. Atmospheric Pressure  “the pressure the _______________ exerts as gravity pulls it toward the centre of Earth” (Nelson Science 10 512).  Highest at __________________ = particles closest together  Higher altitudes = _________________- pressure  Depends on other factors i.e. if air is rising or falling.  Pressure Gradient: “a measure of the ____________ the atmospheric pressure changes across a set distance. Pressure gradients can be vertical or horizontal” (Nelson Science 10 512). Nelson Science 10 512

16. Refer to page 512 to examine ways of representing atmospheric pressure. Kilopascals (__________) 1kPa = 1000 Pa Measured by a ________________ Scientists use balloons with a radiosonde (has electronic sensors (temp, press, water vap) info is sent back to earth using radio signals.) Nelson Science 10 512-513

17. Websites to View: Astronomy 161 The Solar System  http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/in dex.html http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/in dex.html

18. Heat Transfer... revisited Consider the following:  Only ________% of the earth’s surface is land  Clouds often cover much of the surface  Most solar energy interactions occur with water  “Lakes, rivers and oceans absorb 93% of incoming solar radiation that reaches their surfaces” (Science Power 10 427). (Science Power 10 427)

19. Specific Heat Capacity  “the amount of ___________ that is required to raise the temperature of ______gram of a substance 1 degree Celsius” (Science Power 10 427).  Large specific heat capacity = __________ temperature increase  “__________ increases much less than the temperature of most similar substances after absorbing the same amount of energy” (Science Power 10 428).  Examples of Specific Heat Capacity (J/g C): Pure water 4.18 Dry air 1.00 Brick 0.84 Science Power 10 427-428

20. Text Questions:  Page 513 # 5, 6, 7