Water in the Atmosphere

GPM Education and Public Outreach

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

ENGAGEENGAGE

What do you think this drawing represents?

The AtmosphereThe Atmosphere

is the envelope of gases that surrounds the Earth.

has 5 layers that are held in place by gravity.

keeps Earth warm and filters out harmful forms of sunlight.

is made of nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone.

is important to study because it gives us our weather and climate.

The Atmosphere and the Water CycleThe Atmosphere and the Water Cycle

Which components of the water cycle involve the atmosphere?

The Water CycleThe Water Cycle

“The Water Cycle: animation from NASA/GSFC SVS # 10501

Weather and ClimateWeather and Climate

How much water is in the atmosphere?How much water is in the atmosphere?

Qualitative: Cloud type and cover

Quantitative: RainfallAir temperaturepH of rainRelative humidity

Data CollectionData Collection

Group Rainfall pH Relative Humidity

Cloud Type

Cloud Cover

1

2

3

4

5

Explain: Based on the data you collected, water is _____ (not present, somewhat present, highly present) in the

atmosphere today. Provide evidence to support your answer.

EvaluateEvaluate

Label the parts of the water cycle that involve

the atmosphere and describe how the atmosphere is an

important part of the water cycle.

Hints: evaporation, transpiration, precipitation, clouds, plants, wind

GPMGPM

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Satellite will collect precipitation data from around the world.

Knowing where and how much rain or snow falls globally is vital to understanding how weather and climate impact both our environment and Earth’s water and energy cycles, including effects on agriculture, fresh water availability, and responses to natural disasters.

Video- “Our Wet, Wide World”Video- “Our Wet, Wide World”