Atmosphere and Weather

To understand what the energy budget is and why there are temporal and spatial differences.

Homework Answer the examination question – use the mark scheme to assist you. Homework is not optional – it is a crucial part of the learning process.

Atmosphere & Weather Atmosphere varies in temperature at different heights. On your diagram: label the different levels of the atmosphere Annotate to show troposphere as the region of weather Annotate to show tropopause temperature inversion as cap on air rising Annotate to show nearly all moisture in atmosphere contained in troposphere

Local Energy Budgets

Long wave and short wave radiation

Cloud albedo is a measure of the reflectivity of a cloud - higher values mean that the cloud can reflect more solar radiation. Cloud albedo varies from less than 10% to more than 90% Cloud albedo depends on – thickness of the cloud – liquid water or ice content – drop sizes – sun's zenith angle The smaller the drops and the larger the liquid water content, the larger the cloud albedo, if all other factors are the same (e.g. polluted clouds more reflective)

Research lesson

Task 2 - Classroom 1.Draw a fully labelled diagram to show the day model of radiation balance in the earth’s energy budget. 2.Describe and explain the effect of cloud cover on the earth’s heat energy budget. 3.Using diagrams explain the differences between the local energy budget (the heating and cooling of the atmosphere), during daytime and night-time. [8]

Key Terminology

Sea floor spreading Subduction Fold mountains Ocean ridges Ocean Trenches Volcanic island arcs