Atmosphereand Weather Patterns

Taylor Science2013-2014

Layers of the Atmosphere

TroposphereLife, Weather

Highest air densityTemperature decreases with altitude

StratosphereOzone Layer, jet planes, weather balloonsSecond highest air densityTemperature increases with altitude

MesosphereSounding rockets, meteors burn upTemp decreases with altitudeColdest layerDensity decreases with altitude

ThermosphereSatellites, space stationTemperature increases with altitudeWarmest layerDensity decreases with altitude

ExosphereOutermost layerTemperature decreases with altitudeLowest air density

Composition of Air

Nitrogen 78%

Oxygen 21%

Carbon Dioxide 0.93%

Trace Gases o.o4%

Water CycleWater Cycle

Condensation

Runoff

Burning Fossil fuels

Lightning and

Precipitation

Machinery and Fertilizer

Bacteria transform in soil

and water

Animals eat Plants

Plants absorb

from soil and water

Waste and decomposition of plants and

animals

Bacteria breakdown plant and animal

matter

Gas returns to the atmosphere

Carbon Cycle

RadiationConduction

Convection

SunHeat Transfer

Clouds

Factor Affecting Weather

• Temperature- measures kinetic energy in molecules– Thermometer

• Humidity- measures water vapor in air– Hygrometer

• Pressure- measures the force air applies on a surface– Barometer

• Wind- horizontal movement of air– Anemometer

Air Density vs. Air Pressure

An increase in air density results in an increase in air pressure.

Air Density Air Pressure

Air Density Air Pressure

Temperature

Higher the temperature = higher the kinetic energyHigher the temperature = lower the air densityHigher the temperature = lower the air pressureHigher the temperature = lower the relative humidity

Pressure areas form how?

• Warm air rises and produces areas of low pressure.– Light and airy…it floats

• Cold air sinks and produces areas of high pressure.– Heavy and forceful…sinks

Wind forms when…

• Differences in air pressure are present.• Air moves from areas of high pressure to areas

to low pressure.• Rising warm air creates low pressure• Sinking cold air creates high pressure

Global Winds

HumidityRelative humidity compares:

The amount of water in the air to the amount of water that can be in the air

Example:

The measuring cup can hold up to 2 cup.Filled 1 cup = 50% full

Filled 1 ½ cup = 75% fullFilled 2 cups = 100% full

Factors Affecting Relative HumidityTemperature

Saturation

Saturation- When the rate of evaporation equals the rate of condensationAir reaches saturation when it passes 100% relative humidity.Dew Point- describes the temperature at which air reaches saturation.

Air masses

FrontsFronts: the transition zone between two air masses of different densities.

Stationary Front A front that is not moving.

Cold Front Leading edge of colder air that is replacing warmer air.

Warm Front Leading edge of warmer air that is replacing cooler air.

Occluded Front When a cold front catches up to a warm front.

Fronts