Learning Intention Understand the driving forces of weather and climate 23.2 Solar Radiation: A Form of energy Transfer 3 Forms of Energy Transfer Radiation Conduction Convection Radiation Energy that travels through space in the form of waves Conduction: Transfer of heat through direct contact of molecules Convection: Movement of gasses and liquids as they are heated unevenly Due to density differences Energy Transfer Lab Activity (10 minutes) We are just completing the activity and data. You will answer the questions at home!!! Radiation in our Atmosphere Nitrogen and oxygen absorb x-rays, gamma rays, and UV rays. Meso- and thermosphere Radiation acts on oxygen molecules form ozone Stratosphere Infrared Radiation is absorbed by CO2 and water vapor in the troposphere What might happen to the Suns Rays? Scattering: reflection and bending of suns radiation by water and dust in the atmosphere Reflection Absorption Greenhouse Effect CO 2, H 2 O, methane, and other green house gasses in the atmosphere trap infrared rays over the Earths surface Greenhouse Effect Variations in Temperature Are affected by: Latitude Elevation Distance to Bodies of water Variations in the distribution of the Suns Radiation Latitude Latitude is the primary factor in determining the amount of solar radiation that is received per unit of area At the equator, the radiation from the sun is more direct (close to 90) At the poles, the radiation from the sun is spread out over a larger area due to the angle Elevation: Higher elevations have colder temperatures in the troposphere. Effect of Bodies of water: Temperature of water changes less than that of land Water has a moderating effect 23.3 Winds The Earth receives more solar energy at the equators The air at the equator is warm, therefore less dense, and it rises In general, the equator has low atmospheric pressure At the poles, the cold air is heavier and thus it sinks creating a high pressure area Pressure differences in the atmosphere at the equator and at the poles create a general pattern of air movement Air moves from high pressure belts to low pressure belts Generally, from poles to the equator Convection Cells Looping patterns found in the movement of air. Equator- warm air rises 30 latitude- some of the air sinks High pressure area 60 latitude- converging air rises Low Pressure area Local Winds Land and Sea Breezes Mountain and Valley Breezes What are the driving forces for variation in temperature at Earths surface? Explain how the variations in temperature at Earths surface drive the movement of air (wind)?