1. The Atmosphere Ch. 17 November 29, 2010
Weather and Climate
The Atmosphere
Ch. 17
November 29, 2010

2. Warm-Up 11/29 (10 min)
What is the study of the atmosphere and the processes that produce weather and climate called?
Why is it important to study the atmosphere? (Give at least 5 reasons)

3. Objectives 11/29/10 I will be able to:
Describe the composition of the atmosphere
Describe the layers of the atmosphere
Analyze the relationship between the Earth’s tilt and the seasons

4. Weather and Climate… what’s the difference?
Weather is always changing and refers to the state of the atmosphere at a given time and place
Climate is based on the observations of weather conditions over many years and helps us describe a region
To understand weather and climate, we first need to understand what our atmosphere is made of

5. The Composition of the Atmosphere
How old is the earth? _______
Over this period of time the composition of the atmosphere has changed dramatically
“Air” is not a single gas, it is a mixture of gases

6. The Composition of the Atmosphere
The most abundant gas in the atmosphere is nitrogen
The second most abundant is oxygen
Together make up 99% of clean, dry air
Carbon dioxide is important for absorbing energy in the atmosphere
Water vapor is the source of all clouds and precipitation and absorbs heat given off by Earth

7. Composition of the Atmosphere
Ozone: a form of oxygen with three oxygen atoms bonded together instead of just two (that’s the O2 we breathe)
Results from oxygen absorbing radiation (energy) from the sun
The ozone layer is crucial for life on Earth because it absorbs potentially harmful radiation
The ozone layer allows life on Earth to exist

8. The Composition of the Atmosphere
We just finished talking about the oceans, which contain water.
Liquids are one type of fluid
Gases are also fluids
Most of the properties of our atmosphere that influence weather, climate, and life as we know it, come from the fluid nature of the atmosphere
Check it out!

9. The Structure of the Atmosphere
The atmosphere thins very quickly as you travel away from Earth’s surface
The atmosphere is divided vertically into 4 layers based on temperature

10. The Structure of the Atmosphere
Layers of the atmosphere
The lowest = troposphere
Temperature decreases as altitude increases
Most important weather phenomena occur here
2nd = stratosphere
3rd = mesosphere
Top = thermosphere

11. Diagram of the atmosphere structure
Using page 480 as your guide, diagram the layers of the atmosphere, including the boundaries between each layer
For each layer, you must write at least 2 facts about that layer

12. The Earth and Sun interactions
Nearly all of the energy for changing weather and climate comes from the sun
Earth has 2 principle motions:
Rotation: spinning around its axis
Revolution: spinning around the sun
Earth’s axis is tilted about 23.5o
The Earth’s orbit is not completely circular
These two facts, taken together explain why we have seasons
Check it out

14. The Earth and Sun Interactions
The divisions between the seasons are called equinoxes and solstices
Solstices: mark the beginning of summer and winter
Summer solstice: the Northern Hemisphere is “leaning” toward the sun at 23.5o
Winter solstice: the Northern Hemisphere is “leaning” away from the sun at 23.5o
Equinoxes: half-way between solstices, spring and fall
The Earth is tilted neither toward or away from the sun
The length of the day and night are equal

16. Check-ins
What is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere? What is the second most abundant gas in the atmosphere? Together, these two comprise what percentage of atmospheric gases?
What is the lowest layer of the atmosphere?
The layers of the atmosphere are divided based upon what property?
In which layer of the atmosphere are most important weather phenomena?
By how many degrees is the Earth tilted on its axis?
Describe the autumnal and spring equinoxes.

17. Exit Ticket What is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere?
What is the lowest layer of the atmosphere?
Which of the following is true about equinoxes?
They occur in June and December
The sun’s vertical rays strike at 23.50N or S
Days and nights are equal length everywhere
The length of daylight in the Arctic and Antarctic circles is 24 hr

18. Warm-up 11/30/10
List the layers of the atmosphere from lowest to the ground to highest?
In which of these layers do most important weather phenomena occur?
REVIEW: On a map, we look at lines of ________ to measure north and south of the equator
Seasons are caused by ______________

19. Objectives
Describe the movement of heat due to differences in temperature
Analyze the absorbance and reflectance of the sun’s energy on Earth
Analyze temperature variations over land and water

20. Heating of the Atmosphere
Heat vs. temperature
Heat is the energy transferred from one object to another due to differences in temperatures.
Bottom line: heat is transferred between objects because of differences in temperature

21. Heating of the Atmosphere
The heating of the atmosphere comes from solar energy
The solar energy is transferred to Earth through radiation
When radiation hits an object, three things happen
1. some radiant energy is absorbed
2. some radiant energy is transmitted through substances like water and air
3. some radiant energy bounces off the object without being absorbed or transmitted

22. Heating of the Atmosphere
Take a look at Figure 12 on page 486 to answer the following questions
How much of the Sun’s energy that reaches Earth’s atmosphere is reflected back into space? (add together the amount that is backscattered to space, the amount reflected from clouds, and the amount reflected by the land-sea surface)
How much of the Sun’s energy is absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere and clouds?
How much of the Sun’s energy is absorbed by the land and sea?

23. Heating of the Atmosphere
If we did not have gases to absorb solar radiation, Earth would not be a place where we could live
This heating of the lower layer of the atmosphere from radiation absorbed by heat absorbing gases is called the greenhouse effect
… so just like plants grow better in a greenhouse, all life on Earth is able to flourish because of the greenhouse effect

24. Heating of the Atmosphere
The temperatures we experience are due to the amount of heating of the atmosphere above us and the ground and water around us.
Land heats and cools more rapidly than water
Land also reaches higher and lower temperatures than water
The temperature of the land and water influences the temperature of the air above it
This explains why inland areas experience greater temperature variations than cities near large bodies of water

25. Think about it!
City A is located on the Outer Banks of NC and City B is located inland. Which city would experience greater variations in temperature and why?

26. Check-in Questions
What causes the transfer of energy in the from of heat from one object to another?
What is the greenhouse effect? How does it affect life on Earth?
Complete this chart
Complete the following sentence: Land heats ______________ than water.
As a result of what you said in #4, where are temperature variations greater? (over land or over water)
Amount of the Sun’s energy that reaches Earth’s atmosphere that is reflected back into space
Amount of the Sun’s energy absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere and clouds
Amount of the Sun’s energy absorbed by the land and sea

27. Final Project
For your final grade you will have both an exam (don’t worry, we’ll be reviewing for it) and a project
The project is set up so that you can pick and choose the topics you would like to review/work on

28. Science Museum
Each of you has been hired by a new science museum that wants to open right here in Eastern North Carolina
To help the museum get set up for their first exhibit THE EARTH AROUND US, they’ve asked if you would please create brochures to inform the public about different Earth processes/ advertise the museum

29. Project
Each of you will need to complete a TOTAL of at least 300 “museum points”
These can be done by doing any combination of the brochures on the list you have received
AFTER you have successfully completed 300 points, there will be an extra credit opportunity to choose a science video that you believe should be shown at the museum and why.

30. Project
Due dates
Completed projects will be due when you return from Christmas, however it is STRONGLY encouraged that you complete at least 150 points before break…
THE SOONER YOU GET IT IN, THE BETTER

31. Work Time Vocabulary is due FRIDAY
This is also a good time to get started on outlining your brochures

32. Exit ticket 11/30/10 Which of the following is true?
Land heats less rapidly than water
Land heats more rapidly than water
Land reaches higher temperatures than water
Both b. and c.
What causes heat to be transferred from one object to another?
On average, how much of the sun’s energy that reaches the outer atmosphere is reflected back into space?

33. Moisture, Clouds and Precipitation
Chapter 18

34. Warm Up 12/1/10 Which heats faster: land or water?
What causes the transfer of energy (heat) from one object to another?
Heat moves from objects with warm temperature to cooler temperatures.
So – in which direction would heat move in each of these situations: (draw arrows)
Penguin icy water
Pavement the sun
Ice water
What is the greenhouse effect?
On average, how much of the sun’s energy that reaches Earth’s outer atmosphere is reflected back into space?
Which has greater temperature variation: land or water?

35. Objectives Today I will be able to:
Evaluate the most important gas in the atmosphere.
Compare and contrast saturation and relative humidity.

36. Key Points - Moisture
Water vapor is the most important gas for understanding atmospheric processes.
Water vapor makes up 0-4 % of atmospheric gases.
Air that has reached its water vapor capacity is said to be saturated.
Warm, saturated air contains more water vapor than cold air.
Relative humidity is the ratio of air’s water-vapor content to its capacity to hold water vapor at that same temperature.

37. Water in the Atmosphere
Water exists in three different forms.
What are they?
SOLID Examples: Snow, ice
LIQUID Examples: Rain, water
GAS Examples: Clouds, water vapor
How do each of these forms of water influence weather?

38. Water in the Atmosphere
When it comes to understanding atmospheric processes, water vapor is the most important gas in the atmosphere.
Why do you think water vapor is so important?

39. Water in the Atmosphere
Even though water vapor is important, it only makes up from 0 – 4% of the atmospheric gases.
When have you felt water vapor at close to 4%?
What about 0%?
How do you know?
Water vapor is the HUMIDITY that you feel in the air!

40. Water in the Atmosphere
What do you think the word “SATURATED” means?
What do you think it would mean if air is Saturated?
Air that has reached its water vapor capacity is said to be saturated.

41. Water in the Atmosphere
Warm, saturated air contains more water vapor than cold air.
When have you noticed the humidity more, in the summer or in the winter?
That’s because warm air can hold more water vapor!

42. Water in the Atmosphere
Relative humidity is the ratio of air’s water- vapor content to its capacity to hold water vapor at that same temperature.
Relative humidity indicates how near the air is to saturation, not the actual quantity of water vapor in the air.
Relative Humidity varies with temperature.
Cooling air increases its relative humidity.
Warming air decreases its relative humidity.

43. 1% :2%
1%:4%

44. 2%: 3% (cooler) 2/3
2%: 4% (warm) 2/4

45. Water in the Atmosphere
Relative Humidity –
Why does lowering the air temperature cause Relative humidity to increase?
Because colder air cannot hold as much water vapor!
Why does increasing air temperature cause relative humidity to decrease?
Because warm air can hold more water vapor and it will take more water vapor for it to become saturated.

46. Check In Questions Answer the following questions:
What gas is most important for understanding atmospheric processes?
Water vapor makes up what fraction of atmospheric gases?
Which holds more water vapor: warm air or cool air?
Henderson has a humid climate. What are evidences of humidity that you have seen?
How is the humidity different from the summertime to the wintertime?
Why is the air in buildings so dry in the winter?

47. Matching- answer A, B or C for each of the situations.
Water vapor is added
Air temperature decreases
Water vapor is removed
Air temperature increases
Change in Relative Humidity:
Increases
No change
Decreases

48. Measuring Moisture
Invent a machine that measures Relative Humidity and Water Saturation in the air.
Draw a picture of the machine
Write a detailed description of how the machine works.
Create instructions for how to use the machine.
You will be judged based on creativity and neatness. Be specific about how it works!

49. Brownie Ticket
Air that has reached its water-vapor capacity is said to be:
a. Dry b. unstable c. stable d. saturated
The ratio of air’s water content to its capacity to hold water at the same temperature is:
a. Vapor pressure b. relative humidity c. specific humidity d. wet adiabatic rate
Water vapor makes up what fraction (%) of atmospheric gases?

50. Warm up 12/2
Water vapor makes up what percentage of atmospheric gases?
What is the most important gas for understanding atmospheric processes?
What is air called that has reached its water-vapor capacity?
Which type of air can hold the most water-vapor? Cold or warm?
Explain relative humidity.

51. Lifting Air - Objectives
Today, I will be able to:
- Describe how air is lifted to form clouds.

52. Key Points - Clouds
When air is compressed the air temperature rises and the air molecules move faster.
Processes that lift air include orographic lifting, frontal wedging and convergence.
Examples of condensation nuclei include dust, smoke and salt particles.

53. Lifting Air
When air is compressed the air molecules move faster and the temperature rises.
Air compression causes changes in temperature even though heat isn’t added or subtracted.
When air is allowed to expand, it cools.
When air is compressed, it heats up.

54. Lifting Air
Clouds form because as you go up in elevation, it gets colder.
Cold air cannot hold as much water vapor so it transforms into clouds.
Cool, expanded air
Using the info from yesterday, discuss how clouds form because as you go up, it gets colder. Cold air cannot hold as much water vapor so it transforms into clouds.
Warm, compressed air

55. Lifting Air – Creating Clouds
When air expands to form clouds, the water vapor is transformed to clouds by condensation.
Generally, there must be a surface for water vapor to condense on.
Condensation nuclei are tiny bits of matter that serve as surfaces on which water vapor condenses when condensation occurs in the air.
Examples of condensation nuclei include dust, smoke and salt particles.

56. Lifting Air Four mechanisms that cause air to rise are:
Orographic Lifting
Frontal Wedging
Convergence
Localized Convective Lifting

57. Lifting Air Orographic Lifting
Orographic lifting occurs when mountains act as barriers to the flow of air, forcing the air to ascend.

58. Lifting Air Frontal Wedging
How does the relatively flat areas form clouds?
Frontal Wedging
A front is the boundary between two adjoining of air masses having contrasting characteristics.

59. Lifting Air Convergence
Convergence occurs when two air masses converge. The air flows together and rises.

60. Lifting Air Localized Convective Lifting
Localized convective lifting occurs where unequal heating on earth’s surface causes pockets of air to rise.

61. Check In Questions What happens when air is compressed?
Name the 4 processes that lift air.
Why are condensation nuclei important?
Name 3 examples of condensation nuclei.

62. Brochure
Create a handout that shows the different ways air is lifted to form clouds.
Front flap:
Name of the handout
Your name and class period
Inside flaps/back flap:
Title each flap with the four ways air is lifted
Draw a picture under the title on each flap
Explain how air is lifted in your own words for each of the flaps.
This will also help them see how to do the final project and give them practice with the brochure format.

63. Brownie Ticket Which of the following occurs when air is compressed?
Air temperature rises
Air temperature cools
Air molecules move faster
Both a and c
Name 2 examples of condensation nuclei.
Which of the following is NOT a process that lifts air?
Convergence
Orographic lifting
Divergence
Frontal wedging

64. Warm up – 12/3 What happens to air when it is compressed? (2 things)
Name 3 examples of condensation nuclei
Explain orographic lifting.
Explain frontal wedging
When are days and nights equal in length – during a solstice or an equinox?
The heating of the lower layer of the atmosphere from radiation absorbed by gases is called: ______________.

65. QUIZ

66. Clouds Objectives Today I will be able to:
Classify clouds based on shape and height.

67. Clouds
Yesterday we learned about how is lifted to form clouds, today we are going to learn about the different types of clouds and how they are classified.
Clouds are classified based on their form (shape) and height.

68. Clouds Cloud types by FORM
There are three basic forms of clouds. All other clouds one of these three or are combinations or modifications of them:
Cirrus
Cumulous
Stratus

69. Clouds by Form
Cirrus (cirrus = “curl of hair”) are clouds that are high, white, and thin.

70. Clouds by Form
Cumulus (cumulus = “a pile”) are clouds that consist of rounded individual cloud masses.

71. Clouds by Form
Stratus (stratus = “a layer”) are clouds best described as sheets or layers that cover much or all of the sky.

72. Clouds Cloud Types by HEIGHT High Clouds – “Cirro”
Middle Clouds – “Alto”
Low Clouds – “Strato”
Most cloud names are a combination of cloud type by form and by height.

73. Cloud Types and Precipitation
1. High Clouds
• Cirrus clouds are high, white, and thin.
• Cirrostratus clouds are flat layers of clouds.
• Cirrocumulus clouds consist of fluffy masses.
2. Middle Clouds – “Alto”
• Altocumulus clouds are round. They are larger and denser than cirrocumulous.
• Altostratus clouds are uniform white to gray sheet covering the sky with the sun or moon visible as a bright spot.

74. Cloud Types and Precipitation
3. Low Clouds
• Stratus clouds are best described as sheets or layers that cover most of the sky.
• Stratocumulus clouds have a rounded bottom.
• Nimbostratus clouds are the main precipitation makers.
- “Nimbo” means “rainy cloud”
Cumulonimbus clouds cover low, middle and high heights.
These clouds are often associated with thunder and lightning.

75. Cloud Classification
Makes no sense without caption in book

76. Check In Questions How are clouds classified?
Which cloud type is best described as sheets or layers that cover much or all of the sky?
Which term is used to describe clouds of middle height?
Which type of cloud means “rainy cloud”?
Which clouds are associated with thunder and lightning?

77. Clouds Lab
Create a “sky” full of clouds! Using the diagram on p. 519 as a guide, use the cotton balls and chalk to create your sky. You must have the following labeled in your sky:
High Clouds:
Cirrocumulus
Cirrostratus
Cirrus
Middle Clouds
Altocumulus
Altostratus
Low Clouds
Nimbostratus
Stratus
Stratocumulus
Cumulus
Cumulonimbus
Earth’s Surface

78. Brownie Ticket Which term means “rainy cloud”?
Stratus
Nimbus
Cirrus
cumulus
Which term is used to describe clouds of middle height?
Which cloud type is best described as sheets or layers that cover much or all of the sky?
Cumulus
alto