The Atmosphere

Significance of the Atmosphere

• Protection– Meteoroids– High energy radiation

• Helps moderate temperature

• Just perfect for living things– Cellular Respiration vs Photosynthesis

Significance of the Atmosphere

Equation

Composition of the Atmosphere

Atmosphere Gases– Oxygen

• 21%

– Nitrogen• 78%

– Other Gases• Carbon Dioxide, Water Vapor, Argon, etc ---1%

– Solid Particles (most microscopic)

Characteristics of the Atmosphere

Atmosphere: What is it?

Characteristics of the Atmosphere

Troposphere

• Atmospheric layer closest to the Earth’s surface

• Water vapor (clouds and precipitation)

• WEATHER: (define)

Characteristics of the Atmosphere

Stratosphere

• The layer of the atmosphere that is above the troposphere

• Ozone layer (O3)

– Function: absorb harmful radiation• Warms up this layer

Troposphere vs Stratosphere Video

Characteristics of the Atmosphere

Temperature Inversion

When cool air gets trapped in-between the Earth’s warmer troposphere and the surface of the Earth

Characteristics of the Atmosphere

Why does Denver have a problem with the brown cloud or pollution sitting over the city?

Characteristics of the Atmosphere

Mesosphere

• The coldest layer of the atmosphere located above the stratosphere

• Most meteoroids burn up here

Characteristics of the Atmosphere

Thermosphere

• Atmospheric layer above the mesosphere

• No boundary—merges with space

• Temperatures reach a maximum of 1000°C (because molecules absorb solar radiation)

Characteristics of the AtmosphereIonosphere

• Not a distinct layer, but a regions of charged particles

• Important for radio communication

• Aurora

Energy and weather

Conductionthe transfer of energy as heat between molecule as they collide

Convectionthe transfer of energy by the movement of fluids

RadiationThe transfer of energy via electromagnetic radiation

Role of the Sun

Temperature Differences on the Earth due to incoming solar radiation:

Explain the amount of radiant energy per square mile—with pictures