ATMOSPHERE in MOTIONATMOSPHERE in MOTION
The AtmosphereThe AtmosphereEarth’s WeatherEarth’s WeatherHeat TransferHeat Transfer
Atmosphere – What’s in it?Atmosphere – What’s in it?
Gases, water and other liquids, microscopic Gases, water and other liquids, microscopic particles of solidsparticles of solids– Mixture of GASESMixture of GASES
Nitrogen – 78%Nitrogen – 78% Oxygen – 21%Oxygen – 21% Argon - 0.93%Argon - 0.93% Carbon Dioxide – 0.03%Carbon Dioxide – 0.03%
– AerosolsAerosols Solids such as dust, salt, pollen, tiny acid dropletsSolids such as dust, salt, pollen, tiny acid droplets
Most Abundant Gases in the Atmosphere
0.030.93
21
78
01020304050607080
Nitrogen Oxygen Argon CarbonDioxide
Gases
%
NitrogenOxygenArgonCarbon Dioxide
Layers of the AtmosphereLayers of the Atmosphere
EXOSPHERE
THERMOSPHERE
MESOSPHERE
STRATOSPHERE
TROPOSPHERE
SEA LEVEL
10 km (6 mi)
45 km (28 mi)
80 km (50 mi)
500 km (310 mi)
TROPOSPHERETROPOSPHERE
STRATOSPHERESTRATOSPHERE
MESOSPHEREMESOSPHERE
THERMOSPHERETHERMOSPHERE
ozone
EXOSPHEREEXOSPHERE
meteors
auroraIONOSPHEREIONOSPHERE
60 km (37 mi)
TROPOSPHERETROPOSPHERE
0-10 km
Contains most clouds & weather
Contains about 75% of the total mass of the atmosphere
STRATOSPHERESTRATOSPHERE
10-50 km
Contains OZONE – absorbs Sun’s ultraviolet radiation
UPPER LAYERSUPPER LAYERSMESOPSHERE
Coldest layer w/ little ozone THERMOSPHERE
Warms as it filters out X-rays & gamma rays from sun, which have the shortest wavelengths, are absorbed by oxygen and nitrogen moleculesTransformed into ions.
EXOSPHEREContains few atomsNo clear boundary w/ space
UPPER LAYERSUPPER LAYERS
Ionosphere Radio waves transmitted from the earth bounce off tiny energy particles called ions, return to a different location on the earth.
Atm
osph
eric
Tem
pera
ture
Atm
osph
eric
Tem
pera
ture
Leaves give off water
Roots absorb water
Groundwater
Water filters
through soil
Condensation
Water CycleWater Cycle
Precipitation
Evaporation
Transpiration
WATER CYCLEWATER CYCLEWater on our planet moves in a continuous cycle.Water on our planet moves in a continuous cycle. water evaporates, heat is absorbed to form water evaporates, heat is absorbed to form
water vapor water vapor vapors rise, cool and condense into clouds. vapors rise, cool and condense into clouds. water droplets become heavy enough to fall -water droplets become heavy enough to fall -
precipitation. precipitation. water fills lakes, streams and rivers, and water fills lakes, streams and rivers, and
eventually flows back into the oceans where eventually flows back into the oceans where evaporation starts the process anew. evaporation starts the process anew.
transpiration by plant leaves: as plants absorb transpiration by plant leaves: as plants absorb water from the soil, the water moves from the water from the soil, the water moves from the roots through the stems to the leaves, where it roots through the stems to the leaves, where it can evaporate. can evaporate.
EARTH’S WEATHEREARTH’S WEATHERTemperature Temperature
A measure of how fast air molecules A measure of how fast air molecules are movingare moving
HIGH – molecules moving rapidlyHIGH – molecules moving rapidly
LOW – molecules moving slowlyLOW – molecules moving slowly
SCALESCALE Freezing Freezing
PointPoint
Boiling Boiling PointPoint
FahrenheitFahrenheit 3232 212212CelsiusCelsius 00 100100KelvinKelvin 273273 373373
Temperature ScalesTemperature Scales
Measurement of Water VaporMeasurement of Water Vapor
HumidityHumidity - the amount of water vapor in the air - the amount of water vapor in the airTemperature affects how much moisture is in the airTemperature affects how much moisture is in the air
Warmer air can hold MORE moisture – molecules are farther Warmer air can hold MORE moisture – molecules are farther apart creating more space for the water molecules to fit inapart creating more space for the water molecules to fit in
Dew pointDew point – The temperature at which water vapor – The temperature at which water vapor will condensewill condense
Relative HumidityRelative Humidity – the amount of water vapor – the amount of water vapor present compared to the amount that could be present compared to the amount that could be held at a specific temperatureheld at a specific temperature
AIR PRESSUREAIR PRESSURE
Weight of air column
Warmer air is LESS DENSE – low pressure
Cooler air is MORE DENSE – high pressure
AIR PRESSUREAIR PRESSURE
Barometer
Device used to m
easure air pressure
Device used to m
easure air pressure
CLOUDS – How do they form?CLOUDS – How do they form?Air risesAir risesCools to its dew point through expansion Cools to its dew point through expansion
(Less pressure, molecules spread out, (Less pressure, molecules spread out, heat is given off)heat is given off)
Water vapor molecules "clump together" Water vapor molecules "clump together" faster than they are torn apart by their faster than they are torn apart by their thermal energy. thermal energy.
Some of that (invisible) water vapor Some of that (invisible) water vapor condenses to form (visible) cloud droplets condenses to form (visible) cloud droplets or ice crystals.or ice crystals.
CLOUDSCLOUDS
PRECIPITATIONPRECIPITATIONRainRain
liquid precipitationliquid precipitation HailHail
Ice precipitationIce precipitationFreezing rainFreezing rain
super cooled droplets freezing on impactsuper cooled droplets freezing on impactSleetSleet
Frozen raindrops that bounce on impact with the Frozen raindrops that bounce on impact with the groundground
SnowSnowan aggregate of ice crystals an aggregate of ice crystals
cloud particles become too heavy to
cloud particles become too heavy to
remain suspended in the air
remain suspended in the air
WIND - GlobalWIND - GlobalAir moving from one temperature or pressure Air moving from one temperature or pressure
area to anotherarea to anotherAffected by Affected by Coriolis EffectCoriolis Effect
apparent deflection of air to the right in the apparent deflection of air to the right in the Northern hemisphere, to the left in the southernNorthern hemisphere, to the left in the southern hemispherehemisphere
caused by Earth’scaused by Earth’s rrotationotation
WIND - GlobalWIND - GlobalTrade Winds Trade Winds 0 0 - 30 - 30Prevailing Westerlies Prevailing Westerlies 30 30 - 60 - 60 Polar Easterlies Polar Easterlies 60 60 - 90 - 90
http://library.thinkquest.org/C001472/en/development/movement.content.html
Global W
indG
lobal Wind
WINDS – LocalWINDS – LocalSea BreezeSea Breeze
Land heats up faster than the waterLand heats up faster than the water
Air above land heats up, becoming less dense and risesAir above land heats up, becoming less dense and rises
Cool, denser air from over water moves inCool, denser air from over water moves in
WINDS – LocalWINDS – LocalLand BreezeLand Breeze
Land cools faster than the waterLand cools faster than the water
Air above land cools, becoming more dense and settlesAir above land cools, becoming more dense and settles
Warm air over water risesWarm air over water rises
Cool air over land moves out and pushes warm air upCool air over land moves out and pushes warm air up
http://wings.avkids.com/Book/Atmosphere/instructor/heat-01.html
Bands of strong winds near the top of the Bands of strong winds near the top of the troposphere at the northern and southerntroposphere at the northern and southern boundaries of the prevailing westerliesboundaries of the prevailing westerlies
JET JET STREAMSTREAM
Ocean CurrentsOcean Currents Movement of both the air and the oceans is Movement of both the air and the oceans is
controlled by temperature differences controlled by temperature differences The result is a transfer of heat from the equator The result is a transfer of heat from the equator
to the poles. to the poles. About half the heat transport around the planet About half the heat transport around the planet
is by the oceans, making oceans an extremely is by the oceans, making oceans an extremely important part of the Earth's climate control important part of the Earth's climate control system. system.
If ocean circulation is changed by global If ocean circulation is changed by global warming, major changes in climate are warming, major changes in climate are therefore likely. therefore likely.
RELATED
RELATED
a Labrador Current b East Greenland C.c North Atlantic Drift d Gulf Stream e Canary C. f North Equatorial C. g Caribbean C. h South Equatorial C. i Benguela C. j Brazil C. k Falkland C. l West Wind Drift m West Australian C.
n South Equatorial C. o Mozambique C. p Agulhas C. q Monsoon Drift r Kamchatka C./Oya Shio s Kuro Shio C. t North Pacific Drift u California C. v North Equatorial C. w Peru/ Humboldt C. x South Equatorial C. y East Australia C. z East Auckland C.
Ocean Ocean CurrentsCurrents
http://www.poemsinc.org/oceano/currents.htm
Greenhouse Greenhouse EffectEffect
The warming effect of the Earth’s atmosphere is called The warming effect of the Earth’s atmosphere is called the greenhouse effect. the greenhouse effect.
Gases in the atmosphere that trap solar energy are called Gases in the atmosphere that trap solar energy are called greenhouse gasesgreenhouse gases Water vaporWater vapor Carbon dioxideCarbon dioxide MethaneMethane
Human Activities that ADD greenhouse gases: Human Activities that ADD greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide (produced for example, by the burning of fossil carbon dioxide (produced for example, by the burning of fossil
fuels) fuels) nitrogen oxides (from car exhausts)nitrogen oxides (from car exhausts)
Result – could be GOBAL WARMINGResult – could be GOBAL WARMING
Possible effects of the global warmingPossible effects of the global warming
PositivePositiveFarmers in cooler regions could plant two crops a year
NegativeHigher temperature leads to water evaporating more
quickly from soil – leading to “dust bowl” conditionsRise in ocean temperatures could spawn more hurricanesRise in water temperatures would cause the water to
expand, raising sea levels around the worldGlaciers and polar ice caps might partially melt
CFCs (from aerosols and refrigerators)CFCs (from aerosols and refrigerators)
What is Ozone?What is Ozone? Ozone is made of three oxygen atoms (OOzone is made of three oxygen atoms (O33). The oxygen we find in our ). The oxygen we find in our
atmosphere is made up of two oxygen atoms (Oatmosphere is made up of two oxygen atoms (O22). Because of its chemical ). Because of its chemical formulation, a single atom of oxygen (O) is unstable. That is, it wants to combine formulation, a single atom of oxygen (O) is unstable. That is, it wants to combine with something else. That is why oxygen is almost always found in pairs, in its with something else. That is why oxygen is almost always found in pairs, in its OO2 2 (diatomic) form, where it is more stable. Ozone is less stable than O(diatomic) form, where it is more stable. Ozone is less stable than O22, , because it wants to return to the diatomic state by giving up an oxygen atombecause it wants to return to the diatomic state by giving up an oxygen atom
Ozone is unstable and will readily combine with other atoms.Ozone is unstable and will readily combine with other atoms.
Ozone is found in the stratosphere, where it blocks the sun's ultraviolet (UV) Ozone is found in the stratosphere, where it blocks the sun's ultraviolet (UV) waves and prevents them from reaching the earth's surface.waves and prevents them from reaching the earth's surface.
Ozone is also found in the troposphere, where it can damage living tissue and Ozone is also found in the troposphere, where it can damage living tissue and human-produced objects. It is generated both from certain types of pollution and human-produced objects. It is generated both from certain types of pollution and natural sources.natural sources.
Ozone is constantly being formed in the earth's atmosphere by the action of the Ozone is constantly being formed in the earth's atmosphere by the action of the sun's ultraviolet radiation on oxygen molecules. Ultraviolet light splits the sun's ultraviolet radiation on oxygen molecules. Ultraviolet light splits the molecules apart by breaking the bonds between the atoms. A highly reactive molecules apart by breaking the bonds between the atoms. A highly reactive free oxygen atom then collides with another oxygen molecule to form an ozone free oxygen atom then collides with another oxygen molecule to form an ozone molecule. Because ozone is unstable, ultraviolet light quickly breaks it up, and molecule. Because ozone is unstable, ultraviolet light quickly breaks it up, and the process begins again. the process begins again.
http://www.ucar.edu/learn/1_5_1.htm
Ozone (OOzone (O33))
Cause of thinning ozone layerCause of thinning ozone layerChemicals produced by humansChemicals produced by humans
CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) from refrigerators, air conditioners, cleaners for from refrigerators, air conditioners, cleaners for
electronic parts, spray canselectronic parts, spray cans
Result Ultraviolet radiation breakdown CFC molecules
into atoms, including chlorine (Cl)Chlorine breaks ozone down into oxygen atoms
Air PollutionAir Pollution
Harmful substances in the airHarmful substances in the airSome is naturally occurring – pollen, Some is naturally occurring – pollen,
volcanic ashvolcanic ashMuch is caused by human activityMuch is caused by human activity
Most is a result of burning fossil fuelsMost is a result of burning fossil fuelsCoal, oil, gasoline, diesel fuelCoal, oil, gasoline, diesel fuel
≈ ≈ ½ comes from motor vehicles (trucks, buses, ½ comes from motor vehicles (trucks, buses, cars, lawn mowers, scooters cars, lawn mowers, scooters
≈≈¼ comes from electric power plants and ¼ comes from electric power plants and factories burning coal and oilfactories burning coal and oil
Photochemical SmogPhotochemical Smog
Caused by the action of sunlight on chemicalsCaused by the action of sunlight on chemicals
Nitrogen oxides – Nitrogen Oxide (NO) Nitrogen oxides – Nitrogen Oxide (NO) produced from burning fossil fuels reacts with produced from burning fossil fuels reacts with oxygen in the atmosphere to make Nitrogen oxygen in the atmosphere to make Nitrogen Dioxide (NODioxide (NO22))
Hydrocarbons – organics given off by some Hydrocarbons – organics given off by some plants, from fuels evaporating and incomplete plants, from fuels evaporating and incomplete burning of fuelburning of fuel
These along with others react with each other in These along with others react with each other in the presence of sunlight to form a mix of ozone and the presence of sunlight to form a mix of ozone and other chemicalsother chemicals
SMOGSMOG
SMOGSMOG
http://www.osc.edu/research/pcrm/transport/ozone.shtmlhttp://www.osc.edu/research/pcrm/transport/ozone.shtml
Sulfur dioxide (SOSulfur dioxide (SO22) and nitrogen oxides ) and nitrogen oxides
(NO(NOXX) released into the air from burning ) released into the air from burning
fossil fuels.fossil fuels.Combined with water and other Combined with water and other chemicals, sulfur and nitrogen oxides chemicals, sulfur and nitrogen oxides become sulfuric and nitric acid. become sulfuric and nitric acid. These acids may travel long distances These acids may travel long distances before falling to the earth as rain, snow, before falling to the earth as rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog, dew or dust.sleet, hail, fog, dew or dust.
ACID RAIN – What is it?ACID RAIN – What is it?
ACID RAIN – How do you know?ACID RAIN – How do you know?
Acid rain is measured using the pH scale. Acid rain is measured using the pH scale. The pH scale ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 The pH scale ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14
(most alkaline). Seven is neutral. (most alkaline). Seven is neutral. Rain is by nature slightly acidic, with a Rain is by nature slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.6pH of 5.6. .
Any precipitation below that is considered Any precipitation below that is considered "acid rain""acid rain". . Because the scale is logarithmic, a pH of 4.6 is ten Because the scale is logarithmic, a pH of 4.6 is ten
times more acidic than normal rainwater and a pH of 3.6 times more acidic than normal rainwater and a pH of 3.6 is a hundred times more acidic. is a hundred times more acidic.
The average pH of rain in Vermont is between 4.2 The average pH of rain in Vermont is between 4.2 and 4.4 with extremes ranging from 2.4 to 7.4.and 4.4 with extremes ranging from 2.4 to 7.4.
VermontVermont
ACID RAIN – Solutions?ACID RAIN – Solutions? SCRUBBERSSCRUBBERS - filters in smokestacks of factories and power - filters in smokestacks of factories and power
plants to remove pollutants Very expensive to install.plants to remove pollutants Very expensive to install.
USE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY PRODUCTION METHODSUSE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY PRODUCTION METHODS – – Wind or solar power not harmful to the environment. Wind or solar power not harmful to the environment. However, the cost of replacing all of the fossil fuel power However, the cost of replacing all of the fossil fuel power stations with either wind farms or solar power is prohibitive stations with either wind farms or solar power is prohibitive and almost impossible. It would take 600 wind turbines to and almost impossible. It would take 600 wind turbines to produce the same electricity as one coal-fired power station. produce the same electricity as one coal-fired power station.
USE LESS ENERGYUSE LESS ENERGY – insulate houses better, lower – insulate houses better, lower ceilings, use the car less, walk more, bicycle, public ceilings, use the car less, walk more, bicycle, public transportationtransportation
CATALYTIC CONVERTERSCATALYTIC CONVERTERS - catalytic converters on car - catalytic converters on car exhausts remove around 90% of the pollutants released exhausts remove around 90% of the pollutants released during the combustion process.during the combustion process.