1. Atmospheric Science: EP & FC Assessment With votes from Marlene Kaplan & David Herring NOAA & NASA Session #8, November 29, 2007

2. 1. Earth has a thin atmosphere that sustains life Atmosphere is a mixture of gases with minute quanities of liquid and solid particlesAtmosphere is a mixture of gases with minute quanities of liquid and solid particles The atmosphere has mass and is bound to Earth by gravity The atmosphere varies vertically and horizontallyThe atmosphere varies vertically and horizontally –its structure, temperature differences, and composition give rise to dynamics Atmospheric composition is greatly affected by byproducts of life such as, oxygen produced by photosynthesisAtmospheric composition is greatly affected by byproducts of life such as, oxygen produced by photosynthesis Life is continually shaped by, and is dependent upon, the atmosphere.Life is continually shaped by, and is dependent upon, the atmosphere. The atmosphere protects living things from harmful solar rays & space debris.The atmosphere protects living things from harmful solar rays & space debris. RED: The origin of life was enabled by early atmos. Composition.RED: The origin of life was enabled by early atmos. Composition.

3. 2. Solar energy drives many atmospheric process The atmosphere receives energy from the sun, some of which is absorbed, some reflected, and some transmitted to the surface. Solar energy is transformed into other forms of energy.Solar energy is transformed into other forms of energy. Energy imbalances create movement in the atmosphere and ocean.Energy imbalances create movement in the atmosphere and ocean. Incoming solar energy is not constant.Incoming solar energy is not constant. –Solar variability –Orbital mechanics vary over time Variation in exposure to sunlight causes the seasons Solar energy drives chemical reactions in the atmosphere Solar energy drives chemical reactions in the atmosphere Atmospheric gases are selective absorbers of radiation (e.g. Greenhouse Effect) Atmospheric gases are selective absorbers of radiation (e.g. Greenhouse Effect) At the Earth’s surface, there is net radiational heating. (NOTE: we like but wording is awkward) At the Earth’s surface, there is net radiational heating. (NOTE: we like but wording is awkward)

4. 7. The atmosphere and humans are inextricably linked Humans and our quality of life, depend on the atmosphere (NOTE: the EP focuses on humans, in this case, whereas “Life” is covered by an earlier EP.) Human economy and planning activities are based on short-term weather forecasts and long-term expectations of climate. Human activities alter the atmosphere, affecting human health, weather, and climate Decisions we make can have a positive impact on our future health, weather and climate Humans can sometimes be adversely impacted by atmospheric processes (e.g., severe weather, air pollution) RED: The interconnected relationship between humans and the atmosphere is complex and difficult to isolate. (NOTE: contains no real information)RED: The interconnected relationship between humans and the atmosphere is complex and difficult to isolate. (NOTE: contains no real information) RED: Weather & climate affect the viability …