Earth’s Atmosphere

Chapter 22

Mr. Sierra

Protects Earth from the sun’s harmful UV rays:“natural sunblock”.

No CFCs!

1) Volcanic Ash2) Dirt/Dust from wind3) Pollen4) Salt from sea spray

Evaporation is one stage of the water cycle: water becomes a vapor, adding humidity to the air.

78% of the atmosphere- Absorbed through roots of plants after being “fixed” by bacteria.

21% of the atmosphere - Made available to humans and animals after photosynthesis.

CO2 O2

Composition of the Atmosphere

Nitrogen

Oxygen

Water Vapor

Particulates Ozone

vapor

NitrogenThe “nitrogen cycle” involves microscopic

organisms in the soil that capture N from the air and feed it to the roots of plants.

= 78% of Earth’s Atmosphere!

Composition of Atmosphere

Oxygen= 21% of Earth’s Atmosphere.

During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to produce their food, and they release oxygen as a byproduct.

Water evaporates when it is heated by the sun and enters the air as water vapor – an invisible gas.

Water Vapor

Plants and animals also give off water vapor – through

transpiration and perspiration

Ozone O3 is a gas

that reflects UltraViolet radiation from the sun (protecting us). It also absorbs sun’s heat which warms the Stratosphere.

The oxygen we breathe has 2 atoms: O2

However, Ozone has 3 atoms: O3

Ozone forms a vital layer of our atmosphere that protects us from the sun’s harmful UV radiation.

Unfortunately, human produced chloroflorocarbons (CFCs) break down ozone and weaken this important layer

Ozone

Tiny, solid particles – in 4 main categories:Particulates

Earth's Atmosphere

99% of atmospheric gases, including water vapor, extend only 30 kilometer (km) above earth's surface.

Most of our weather occurs within the first 10 to 15 km.

T h i n G a s e o u s E n v e l o p e

Atmospheric Pressure

Definition:Pressure exerted on all sides of a surface or object by gravity pulling air down to Earth’s surface.- Pressure decreases as

altitude increases (think of swimming pool).

Atmospheric PressureBarometer: a tool that measures atmospheric pressure

mercurial vs. aneroid

Layers of the Atmosphere- Based on changes in temperature with

altitude. sphere: the hottest layer (up to 1000°C); contains the Ionosphere which forms auroras when solar flares electrify its gas particles.

sphere: “meso” means middle; the coldest layer (down to -90°C); where most meteors burn up.

Stratosphere: contains Ozone which absorbs solar radiation and protects Earth from harmful UV rays.

Troposphere: Contains all the weather/clouds and 80% of all the air on Earth. Gets colder with altitude (like mountain-tops).

Thermo

Meso

Layers of the Atmosphere- Based on changes in temperature with

altitude.

Troposphere: Contains all the weather/clouds and 80% of all the air on Earth. Gets colder with altitude (like mountain-tops).

Thermosphere: the hottest layer (up to 1000°C); contains the Ionosphere which forms auroras when solar flares electrify its gas particles.

Mesosphere: “meso” means middle; the coldest layer (down to -90°C); where most meteors burn up.Stratosphere: contains Ozone which absorbs solar radiation and protects Earth from harmful UV rays.

Layers of the Atmosphere

RedBull Stratos

Main Website:

http://www.redbullstratos.com/the-mission/mission-timeline/

Preview Video (CGI):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCqnQq86fkY&edufilter=ZfvWoTQoe9wnoR5AGPfSjA

Temperature Inversions

Earth’s Atmosphere

Chapter 22 – Section 2

Mr. Sierra

Solar Energy (Radiation)

Greenhouse Gases

“Compounds”

Greenhouse Effect

Solar radiation passes through the atmosphere and warms Earth’s surface.

Energy from the sun is absorbed by Earth’s surface and then is radiated into the atmosphere as heat, some of which escapes into space.

Greenhouse gases also absorb some of the energy from Earth and radiate it back toward the lower atmosphere and Earth’s surface.

Latitude and SeasonsThroughout the seasons, which ever area on Earth (based on latitude – from north to south)

receives the most direct, intense concentration of Sun’s energy will be the warmest.

What season would it be above the equator in this picture?

Winter (Northern Hemisphere tilts away from sun)

Spring (sun aims directly at equator)

Summer (Northern Hemisphere tilts toward sun)

Fall (sun aims directly

at equator)

23½°

To Polaris

Land heats up and cools down _________ than water.

The temperature of the air relates to the temperature of land or water it blows over.

Hot air _________ - creating _____ Pressure

Cold air _________ - creating ______ Pressure

Coriolis EffectRotation of the Earth causes air to curve (over long distances)

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