Layers of the Atmosphere SC SC 6-4.7

Layers of the Atmosphere The atmosphere is the layer of gases that surrounds the planet and makes conditions on Earth suitable for living things.

Layers of the Atmosphere Earth’s atmosphere is divided into several different atmospheric layers extending from Earth’s surface outward.

Layers of the Atmosphere The troposphere is where all the weather occurs. It is the closest layer to Earth’s surface. It is the layer we live in.

Layers of the Atmosphere The stratosphere is located directly above the troposphere. This is where the ozone layer is.

Layers of the Atmosphere The next layer up is the mesosphere, followed by the thermosphere, and then the exosphere.

Layers of the Atmosphere Space Exosphere Thermosphere Mesosphere Stratosphere (Ozone Layer) Troposphere (Weather, Life) Earth’s Surface

Atmospheric Gases Nitrogen & Oxygen These are the two most common gases found in the atmosphere. They can be found throughout all the layers.

Atmospheric Gases Ozone Ozone is a form of oxygen It is only found in the stratosphere

Atmospheric Gases Water Vapor & Carbon Dioxide (CO2) These are important gases for weather conditions. They are found in the troposphere where weather occurs.

Atmospheric Gases Trace Gases These gases are unimportant and found in small amounts throughout the layers of the atmosphere. Example: argon

Atmospheric Temperatures Differences in temperature are what separate each layer in the atmosphere from the one above and/or below it.

Atmospheric Temperatures In the troposphere: As altitude increases, temperature decreases AltitudeTemperature

Atmospheric Temperatures In the stratosphere: The stratosphere is cold except in its upper region where ozone is located. AltitudeTemperature Ozone Layer

Atmospheric Temperatures In the Mesosphere: This is the COLDEST layer in the atmosphere. AltitudeTemperature

Atmospheric Temperatures In the thermosphere: Even though the air is thin in the thermosphere, it is very HOT. AltitudeTemperature

Atmospheric Temperatures Beyond the thermosphere is the exosphere which leads into outer space where it is very cold, because there is little to no atmosphere to absorb the Sun’s heat energy. AltitudeTemperature

Atmospheric Temperatures Outer Space Exosphere Thermosphere Mesosphere Stratosphere Troposphere Earth’s Surface TemperatureAltitude

Atmospheric Pressure Air pressure is the force exerted by the gases pushing on an object. Air pressure is greatest near the surface of the Earth in the troposphere. AltitudeAir Pressure

Solar Energy Energy from the Sun is known as Solar Energy. Solar energy is the driving energy source for heating Earth, and circulation in Earth’s atmosphere.

Solar Energy Some of the Sun’s energy coming through Earth’s atmosphere is reflected by gases and/or clouds in the atmosphere.

Solar Energy The land heats up and releases its heat fairly quickly. Water needs to absorb lots of solar energy to warm up. It is the water on Earth that helps to regulate the temperature range of Earth’s atmosphere.

Solar Energy Solar energy that is absorbed by Earth’s land and water surfaces is changed to heat that moves/radiates back into the atmosphere (troposphere) where the heat cannot be transmitted through the atmosphere so it is trapped, a process known as the greenhouse effect.

Atmospheric Heating Notes Radiation - the transfer of energy as electromagnetic waves Earth receives energy from the sun by radiation Earth receives about two-billionths of the sun’s energy 70% of the sun’s energy that reaches it is absorbed by the Earth’s surface, atmospheric gases and clouds Example: light bulb warming a lampshade

Thermal Conduction Thermal conduction is transfer of energy as heat through material.Thermal conduction is transfer of energy as heat through material. Thermal energy always transferred from warm to cold areas For conduction to take place contact/touch must take place Example: hot end of spoon sticking out of a pot of soup

Convection Convection - the transfer of thermal energy by the circulation or movement of a liquid or gas Most thermal energy in our atmosphere is transferred by convection Convection is the result of differences in density Example: boiling a pot of water or turning on the heat in the car

Greenhouse Effect The warming of the surface and the lower atmosphere of Earth that occurs when water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases absorb and reradiate thermal energy. Atmospheric gases function like the glass walls and roof of a greenhouse, which allow solar energy to enter but prevent thermal energy from escaping

Global Warming - Gradual increase in average global temperature Many scientists have hypothesized that an increase of greenhouse gases (especially carbon dioxide) may be the cause of the Earth’s warming trend

Questions: 1.How do differences in air density cause convection currents? 2.Name three ways energy is transferred in atmosphere. 3.How does process of convection rely on radiation?