Energy in the Atmosphere

Electromagnetic Waves Electromagnetic waves are energy from the sun that can travel through space The transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves is called RADIATION.

Three Types of Electromagnetic Waves 1.Visible Light 2.Infrared Radiation –not visible, felt as HEAT 3.Ultraviolet Radiation –causes sunburn and skin cancer –Ozone layer absorbs much of this

Electromagnetic Spectrum The electromagnetic spectrum organizes the radiation from the sun from the longest wavelength to the shortest wavelength.

The Greenhouse Effect Earth’s atmosphere gases act as a “blanket” and hold in the heat from the infrared radiation. The greenhouse effect helps Earth maintain a comfortable livable temperature, even at night.

Heat Transfer (Review!!) 1.Radiation – Heat that your feel from the sun or fire (infrared radiation) 2.Conduction – Direct transfer of heat from one object touching another object 3.Convection – Transfer of heat by the movement of a fluid (convection current) Radiation, conduction, and convection work together to heat the troposphere.

Which type of heat transfer? 1.Your feet get hot when walking barefoot across hot pavement. 2.You can feel the heat from the hot iron without touching it. 3.In winter, the second floor of your house is warmer than the first floor. 4.Your skin feels warm when you are lying on the beach. 5.You burn your finger when you accidently touch the hot stove.