1. The Atmosphere

2. Significance of the Atmosphere
Protection
Meteoroids
High energy radiation
Helps moderate temperature
Just perfect for living things
Cellular Respiration vs Photosynthesis

3. Significance of the Atmosphere
Equation

4. Composition of the Atmosphere
Atmosphere Gases
Oxygen
21%
Nitrogen
78%
Other Gases
Carbon Dioxide, Water Vapor, Argon, etc ---1%
Solid Particles (most microscopic)

5. Characteristics of the Atmosphere
Atmosphere: What is it?

7. Characteristics of the Atmosphere
Troposphere
Atmospheric layer closest to the Earth’s surface
Water vapor (clouds and precipitation)
WEATHER: (define)

8. Characteristics of the Atmosphere
Stratosphere
The layer of the atmosphere that is above the troposphere
Ozone layer (O3)
Function: absorb harmful radiation
Warms up this layer

12. Troposphere vs Stratosphere Video

13. Characteristics of the Atmosphere
Temperature Inversion
When cool air gets trapped in-between the Earth’s warmer troposphere and the surface of the Earth

17. Characteristics of the Atmosphere
Why does Denver have a problem with the brown cloud or pollution sitting over the city?

18. Characteristics of the Atmosphere
Mesosphere
The coldest layer of the atmosphere located above the stratosphere
Most meteoroids burn up here

19. Characteristics of the Atmosphere
Thermosphere
Atmospheric layer above the mesosphere
No boundary—merges with space
Temperatures reach a maximum of 1000°C (because molecules absorb solar radiation)

20. Characteristics of the Atmosphere
Ionosphere
Not a distinct layer, but a regions of charged particles
Important for radio communication
Aurora

22. Energy and weather Conduction
the transfer of energy as heat between molecule as they collide
Convection
the transfer of energy by the movement of fluids
Radiation
The transfer of energy via electromagnetic radiation

23. Role of the Sun
Temperature Differences on the Earth due to incoming solar radiation:
Explain the amount of radiant energy per square mile—with pictures