Atmosphere and Winds E4.p2X-A,F, I. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATMOSPHERE.
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Transcript of Atmosphere and Winds E4.p2X-A,F, I. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATMOSPHERE.
Atmosphere and Winds
E4.p2X-A,F, I
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATMOSPHERE
Composition of the Atmosphere• Atmosphere-mixture of gases around the Earth– 78% Nitrogen-(released from decay/eruptions)– 21% Oxygen– 1% Other- (Carbon Dioxide, Argon)
• Can also contain liquid and solids– Water vapor– Dirt, smoke, ash, etc Nitrogen
OxygenOther
Pressure
• Air Pressure- measure of force which air molecules push on a surface
• Changes throughout the atmosphere
• Atmosphere is held around the planet by gravity
• Gravity pulls at the air molecules, giving them greater weight the closer they are to the Earth
• Altitude- height of an object above Earth’s surface– As altitude increases, pressure decreases
Layers of the Atmosphere
• Troposhere-– Lowest layer– 90% of atmosphere’s mass
• Stratosphere-– Second lowest layer– Extremely cold, moisture-less, – Contains the Ozone Layer
Layer cont...• Mesosphere-– Second highest layer– Coldest layer ( -93 degree Celsius)– Contains large wind storm
• Thermosphere-– Uppermost layer – Highest temps due to spread of particles
A Fifth Layer?• Ionosphere-– Upper Meso and Lower Thermospheres– Absorbs gamma and X-rays– Reflects radio waves and radiant energy in colors
Assignment Day 1• 1.What is the connection between altitude and
pressure?
• 2. What is the relationship between gravity and pressure?
• 3. Define- atmosphere, air pressure, altitude
• 4. Draw a Diagram of the Layers of the Atmosphere– Include: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere,
ionosphere, and thermosphere
HEATING THE ATMOSPHERE
Do Now
• What does this pie chart represent?
• Gases of the Atmosphere!– 78% N– 21% O– 1% other
Series1
• Temperature- amount of energy in a given space
• Please Draw
Energy in the Atmosphere
• What are the three ways thermal energy is transferred?
• Convection• Conduction• Radiation
Radiation• How Earth receives Sun’s energy• Sun’s Radiation:
50%
25%
20%
5%
Absorbed by Earth's Surface
Reflected by Clouds
Absorbed by Ozone and Gases
Reflected by Earth's Surface
Greenhouse Effect• Greenhouse Effect- atmosphere traps thermal
energy
Atmosphere!Sun’s Radiation
• Greenhouse Gases- Gases that raise the temp of the atmosphere– Ex: Carbon dioxide
• Global Warming- rise in avg global temps
• Radiation Balance- balance between incoming energy from the sun and outgoing energy into space– Planting trees helps maintain balance
Assignment Day 2• 1. What are the three types of thermal energy
transfer?• 2. Which type of thermal energy transfer is how
the Earth get’s energy from the sun?• 3. Which type of thermal energy transfer causes
winds? (Think of the circular motion)• 4. Please draw and label the greenhouse effect.• 5. Why does the planting of trees help with
radiation balance?
PRESSURE AND WINDS
Wind
• Which type of thermal energy transfer is the cause of wind?
• CONVECTION/CONVECTION CURRENTS!
• Wind- moving air– Wind and wind movements are causes by
differences in air pressure
Why Air Moves• Greater pressure, faster wind movement – Pressure caused by uneven heating of Earth
• High Pressure– Polar air is cold and dense– Cold, sinking air creates high pressure area
• Low Pressure– Equator air is warm and less dense– Rises and creates low pressure area
• Pressure difference causes air movement• Air generally moves from high to low pressure• Please Draw
Pressure Belts
• Low Pressure Belts-– Equator– 60 degrees N and S
• High Pressure Belts-– 30 degrees N and S– N and S Poles
Cause for Pressure Belts
• Pressure Belts AKA Convection Cells
• High Pressure– Warm air from Equator moves towards Poles– At about 30 degrees, air begins to cool and sinks
• Low Pressure– Cold air from Poles moves towards Equator– At about 60 degrees, air begins to warm and rises
Coriolis Effect• Coriolis Effect- Curving motion of objects and
wind due to Earth’s rotation• Winds don’t blow directly North or South– Affected by rotation
Types of Winds
• Trade Winds– Between equator and 30 degree both hemis
• Westerlies– Between 30-60 degrees in both hemis– Flow to the west, opposite of trade winds
• Easterlies– Between 60degrees and poles in both hemis– Cold, sinking air flows to the east
Types of Winds (cont)• Doldrums– low pressure at Equator where trade winds meet
• Horse Latitudes– 30 degree area of high pressure
• Jet Streams– Narrow belts of high speed winds (up to 500mph)
• Local Winds– Move short distances in any direction
Assignment Day 3
• 1. How does the Coriolis Effect affect winds?• 2. Where are the Doldrums and the Horse
Latitudes located at?• 3. What factor(s) cause wind?• 4. What is the difference between high
pressure and low pressure areas?• 5. What is the other name for the Pressure
Belts? Explain why this makes sense.