Intro to the Atmosphere (6.1)
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Resources:Topic 6: NotesReview: Jeopardy Board |
layers of the Atmosphere
The atmosphere is divided into multiple layers:
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Composition of the Atmosphere
Atmosphere Composition is predominantly a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen.
Composition of the Atmosphere |
Thermal Stratification
Atmosphere can be divided into layers in terms of temperature variation = thermal stratification
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The Albedo Effect
Albedo is the fraction of solar energy (shortwave radiation) reflected from the Earth back into space.
Effect of clouds and smog on insolation (albedo) |
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The Greenhouse Effect
Greenhouse effect is naturally occurring. Without it there would be no life on earth (think Mars with no atmosphere or Venus with too much atmosphere).
The effect is caused by gasses in the atmosphere:
The effect is caused by gasses in the atmosphere:
- CO2 and H2O (and other green house gases) absorb heat (long wave radiation) reflected from earth’s surface (albedo) into space or back onto earth.
- Ultimately, this reduces the heat lost from earth
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Clouds & Insolation
Insolation is incoming solar radiation from the Sun in the form of HEAT
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Water in the atmosphere is vital to earth:
- Maintaining flora and fauna
- Absorbing, reflecting, and scattering proportion of incoming insolation to maintain habitable temperature on Earth’s surface
- Transferring surplus energy from tropical areas, either horizontally to polar regions or vertically into atmosphere to balance the heat budget
The Human Impact on the Environment
Human activities impact the atmospheric composition through inputs and outputs. What are some of these inputs and outputs?
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