The Atmosphere

The Atmosphere

“Vapor Globe/Ball”“Vapor Globe/Ball”

Composition

Composition

78% Nitrogen21% Oxygen1% Other (Argon, Carbon Dioxide, Water Vapor, other gases)

78% Nitrogen21% Oxygen1% Other (Argon, Carbon Dioxide, Water Vapor, other gases)

Air PressureAir Pressure Measure of force with which air molecules push on a surface Gravity pulls air molecules toward the Earth The closer to the surface you are, the more air pressure

– The lower the altitude, the higher the air pressure

Measure of force with which air molecules push on a surface Gravity pulls air molecules toward the Earth The closer to the surface you are, the more air pressure

– The lower the altitude, the higher the air pressure

LayersLayers Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere Based on temperature changes as altitude increases

Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere Based on temperature changes as altitude increases

LayersLayers

TroposphereTroposphere Lowest, but densest layer 90% of the total mass Contains all of Earth’s life, carbon dioxide, water, clouds, pollution, weather

Lowest, but densest layer 90% of the total mass Contains all of Earth’s life, carbon dioxide, water, clouds, pollution, weather

Stratosphere

Stratosphere

Air is very thin with little moisture Contains ozone layer

– Ozone has three oxygen atoms– The oxygen we breathe has two oxygen atoms– Ozone absorbs harmful UV radiation from the Sun

Air is very thin with little moisture Contains ozone layer

– Ozone has three oxygen atoms– The oxygen we breathe has two oxygen atoms– Ozone absorbs harmful UV radiation from the Sun

MesosphereMesosphere Coldest layer “Middle” layer Large wind storms

Coldest layer “Middle” layer Large wind storms

Thermosphere

Thermosphere

Gases absorb solar radiationEventually blends into space (exosphere)High temperature, but feels cold

– Air molecules move very fast– Air molecules are so far apart, they do not transfer energy

Gases absorb solar radiationEventually blends into space (exosphere)High temperature, but feels cold

– Air molecules move very fast– Air molecules are so far apart, they do not transfer energy

IonosphereIonosphere Upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere Nitrogen and oxygen atoms that absorb solar radiation Carries AM radio waves Aurora Borealis (northern lights)

Upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere Nitrogen and oxygen atoms that absorb solar radiation Carries AM radio waves Aurora Borealis (northern lights)

EnergyEnergy Radiation from the Sun Visible light is changed into heat energy Energy is moved around with radiation, conduction, and convection

Radiation from the Sun Visible light is changed into heat energy Energy is moved around with radiation, conduction, and convection

Energy Energy

Greenhouse Effect

Greenhouse Effect

Atmosphere traps thermal energy near the Earth Keeps Earth livable Greenhouse gases are the only gases that trap thermal energy

– Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas

– Too much CO2 can cause global warming– Average global temperature would increase

Atmosphere traps thermal energy near the Earth Keeps Earth livable Greenhouse gases are the only gases that trap thermal energy

– Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas

– Too much CO2 can cause global warming– Average global temperature would increase

WindsWinds Caused by pressure differences Uneven heating of the earth causes pressure differences

– Equator has warmer, less dense air– Poles have colder, more dense air– Colder air is denser, so it sinks causing high pressure

Air moves from high pressure to low pressure

Caused by pressure differences Uneven heating of the earth causes pressure differences

– Equator has warmer, less dense air– Poles have colder, more dense air– Colder air is denser, so it sinks causing high pressure

Air moves from high pressure to low pressure

Types of Winds

Types of Winds

Trade Winds– 30° N or 30° S to the equator– Weak winds

Westerlies– 30°- 60° in northern and southern hemispheres

Polar Easterlies– 60° to poles in both hemispheres

Trade Winds– 30° N or 30° S to the equator– Weak winds

Westerlies– 30°- 60° in northern and southern hemispheres

Polar Easterlies– 60° to poles in both hemispheres

Types of Winds

Types of Winds

Jet Streams– Found in upper troposphere and lower stratosphere– Not regular patterns– Affects pilots

Local Winds– Wind that is affected by local geography

Jet Streams– Found in upper troposphere and lower stratosphere– Not regular patterns– Affects pilots

Local Winds– Wind that is affected by local geography

Local WindsLocal Winds

PollutionPollution Primary Pollutants- directly from human or natural activity

– car exhaust, volcanic ash, pollen, dust Secondary Pollutant- pollutants from primary pollutants reacting with other chemicals

– Smog is from car exhaust and ozone– Acid rain is from sulfur or nitrogen and water

Primary Pollutants- directly from human or natural activity

– car exhaust, volcanic ash, pollen, dust Secondary Pollutant- pollutants from primary pollutants reacting with other chemicals

– Smog is from car exhaust and ozone– Acid rain is from sulfur or nitrogen and water