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Chapter15. The Atmosphere. 15-1 Characteristics of the Atmosphere. Atmosphere A mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth Composition Contains gases, solids, and liquids Solids Dust, ash, salt, and smoke Liquid Water. 15-1 Characteristics of the Atmosphere. Atmosphere Composition Gas - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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CHAPTER15The Atmosphere
15-1 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATMOSPHERE
Atmosphere A mixture of gases
that surrounds the Earth
Composition Contains gases,
solids, and liquids Solids
Dust, ash, salt, and smoke
Liquid Water
15-1 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATMOSPHERE
Atmosphere Composition
Gas Nitrogen
78% Released from
volcanoes and decaying organisms
Oxygen 21% Produced by plants
and used by animals Other 1%
Argon Carbon Dioxide Water Vapor
15-1 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATMOSPHERE
Pressure Air Pressure
Measure of force with which the air pushes on surfaces
Will decrease with Altitude The height of an
object above the Earth’s surface
15-1 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATMOSPHERE
Temperature Changes as you
increase altitude Results from the way
solar energy is absorbed
Different layers have different gases that absorb energy
15-1 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATMOSPHERE
Layers Troposphere
Lies next to the Earth’s surface
Lowest and densest layer Contains 90% of
the atmosphere’s mass
Contains all the Earth’s carbon dioxide, water vapor, pollution, and life-forms
15-1 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATMOSPHERE
Layers Stratosphere
Layer above the troposphere
Air is thin and contains little moisture
Extremely cold at base but temp rises as you go up
Contains Ozone Layer Absorbs UV radiation Ozone
Molecule of 3 oxygen atoms
15-1 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATMOSPHERE
Layers Mesosphere
Layer above the stratosphere
Coldest layer, -93˚C Contains large wind
storms Winds will reach
320 km/hr
15-1 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATMOSPHERE
Layers Ionosphere
Between the Mesosphere and Thermosphere
Area where gas particles will become electrically charged Gives off different
colors of light
15-1 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATMOSPHERE
Layers Thermosphere
Layer above the mesosphere
Temperature will increase with altitude Can reach 1,700˚C Does not feel hot
because particles are far apart
15-2 HEATING OF THE ATMOSPHERE
Energy Radiation
The transfer of energy as electromagnetic waves
Most is reflected Controls convection
and conduction
15-2 HEATING OF THE ATMOSPHERE
Energy Conduction
The transfer of thermal energy from one material to another by direct contact
Always moves from warm to cold areas
15-2 HEATING OF THE ATMOSPHERE
Energy Convection
Transfer of thermal energy by the circulation or movement of a liquid or gas
Convection current Process of warm air
rising and cool air sinking in a circular motion
15-2 HEATING OF THE ATMOSPHERE
Greenhouse Effect Where gases in the
atmosphere trap thermal energy
Allows energy in but will not let it out
If out of balance Earth will heat up
15-3 PRESSURE AND WINDS
Air Movement Wind
The movement of air Created from a
difference in pressure Greater the
difference the greater the speed
Forms because of the unequal heating of the Earth
15-3 PRESSURE AND WINDS
Air Movement Pressure Belts
Warm air from the equator rises and cold air from the poles sinks
As air warms it creates low pressure
Creates convection cells The circular
patterns caused by the rising and sinking of air
15-3 PRESSURE AND WINDS
Air Movement Coriolis Effect
Curving of wind by Earth’s rotation
N. Hemisphere curves to the right
S. Hemisphere curves to the left
15-3 PRESSURE AND WINDS
Wind Types Local Winds
Move short distances and blow from any direction
Global Winds A pattern of air
circulation that moves across the Earth
15-3 PRESSURE AND WINDS
Wind Types Trade Winds
Winds that blow from 30˚ latitude to the equator
Coriolis effect causes them to curve
Doldrums Where the trade
winds meet Very little wind
because of the warm rising air
15-3 PRESSURE AND WINDS
Wind Types Westerlies
Wind belt between 30˚ and 60˚ latitude
Flow toward the poles in opposite direction of the trade winds
Polar Easterlies Wind belt that
extends from the poles to 60˚ latitude
Form from cold sinking air
15-3 PRESSURE AND WINDS
Wind Types Jet Stream
Narrow belts of high-speed winds
Blows around the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere
Does not follow a regular path
Local winds Influenced by
geography Differences between
land and water