Chapter 1 Section 2Atmospheric Heating

Radiation

• The sun’s energy comes to us as radiation• Radiation is the transfer of energy in waves• This energy drives the Earth’s weather and

makes Earth habitable

Thermal Conduction

• The transfer of energy as heat through a material

• Heat always transfers from warm areas to cold areas

• The warmth of the Earth’s surface warms the lowest levels of the atmosphere

Convection

• The transfer of thermal energy by the circulation or movement of a liquid or gas

• Warm air rises and cooler air sinks to replace the rising air

• The process continually repeats and a circular pattern in the atmosphere forms

• This pattern is called a convection current

Greenhouse Effect

• The process where the Earth’s atmosphere holds in just enough heat to keep the planet warm

• Energy is allowed to enter and exit the atmosphere in balance

Global Warming

• Theory that pollution is making the atmosphere thicker

• Heat can no longer escape the atmosphere and the planet is becoming warmer

• A warmer Earth leads to negative effects on planet