View
221
Download
0
Category
Tags:
Preview:
Citation preview
Investigating the Earth System:
Solar Influences from the Exosphere
Hydrosphere
Biosphere
Exosphere
Geosphere
Exosphere
• Earth as a planet is not a “closed system,” in addition to our atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere we have an exosphere
• Everything outside of earth’s atmosphere is called the “exosphere” or “space”
• What from the exosphere affects earth?
Sun’s energy
• Sun radiates energy• Half of earth is always
lit up (day) and locations on earth spin through the lit up half, which is why we have day and night.
• Today is a special day…
What is the equinox?
• Equal day and equal night all over earth
• Sun directly overhead at the equator
• First day of fall
• Sun rises exactly in east
• Solstices=longest day or shortest day
Angle of the sun above the horizon
• The sun rises and sets each day
• The sun is highest at solar noon
• The sun is never at zenith in Wellesley but reaches its highest point on the summer solstice and lowest on the winter solstice
Cause of the Seasons
Natural Greenhouse Effect
• GOOD!
• Energy in=energy out or earth’s temperature would increase each year BUT…
• Greenhouse gases slow the terrestrial radiation on its way out so there is always some energy in earth system
Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
• Caused by release of greenhouse gasses by humans from:– Cars, power plants
Recommended