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Questions and Answers
What percentage of air is found in the first 30 km of the atmosphere?
What percentage of air is found in the first 30 km of the atmosphere?
What is the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere?
What is the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere?
What is the concentration of Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
What is the concentration of Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
What is the altitude range at which the stratospheric values of CO2 are measured?
What is the altitude range at which the stratospheric values of CO2 are measured?
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What is the percentage of water vapor in the atmosphere?
What is the percentage of water vapor in the atmosphere?
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What is a common term for tiny solids or liquids suspended in the atmosphere?
What is a common term for tiny solids or liquids suspended in the atmosphere?
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What is formed in the upper atmosphere when ultraviolet radiation from the sun splits an oxygen molecule?
What is formed in the upper atmosphere when ultraviolet radiation from the sun splits an oxygen molecule?
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What is the concentration of Xenon in the atmosphere?
What is the concentration of Xenon in the atmosphere?
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What is the dominant source of atmospheric heat?
What is the dominant source of atmospheric heat?
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What is responsible for destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere?
What is responsible for destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere?
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What is the term for small solid particles in the air?
What is the term for small solid particles in the air?
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What type of radiation is emitted by objects with a temperature above absolute zero?
What type of radiation is emitted by objects with a temperature above absolute zero?
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What is the condition in which the Earth-atmosphere system maintains a balance between the energy it receives from the sun and the energy it loses to space?
What is the condition in which the Earth-atmosphere system maintains a balance between the energy it receives from the sun and the energy it loses to space?
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What is the primary factor that determines the amount of insolation received at a particular location on Earth?
What is the primary factor that determines the amount of insolation received at a particular location on Earth?
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What is the term for the transfer of energy from one substance or medium to another due to a temperature difference?
What is the term for the transfer of energy from one substance or medium to another due to a temperature difference?
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What is the term for a measure of the average kinetic energy of molecules in a substance?
What is the term for a measure of the average kinetic energy of molecules in a substance?
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Why is the warmest part of the day not at noon when the sun is highest in the sky?
Why is the warmest part of the day not at noon when the sun is highest in the sky?
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How does cloud cover affect air temperature?
How does cloud cover affect air temperature?
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What occurs when parcels of air are heated?
What occurs when parcels of air are heated?
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What type of energy transfer occurs when there is a change in the state of matter?
What type of energy transfer occurs when there is a change in the state of matter?
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What is the concept that describes the balance between the energy Earth receives from the sun and the energy it loses to space?
What is the concept that describes the balance between the energy Earth receives from the sun and the energy it loses to space?
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What is the main purpose of studying Earth's energy budget?
What is the main purpose of studying Earth's energy budget?
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What type of energy transfer involves the horizontal transfer of heat?
What type of energy transfer involves the horizontal transfer of heat?
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What can be inferred about Earth's temperature history based on the energy balance concept?
What can be inferred about Earth's temperature history based on the energy balance concept?
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Study Notes
Chapter Overview
- Exam 1 scheduled for February 28th, Chapter 4 due on February 11th.
- Agenda includes finishing the Chapter 4 Worksheet, a lecture, and discussion of practice exam answers.
Key Objectives
- Understand four characteristics of the atmosphere that support life on Earth.
- Identify the four most abundant atmospheric gases and their importance to life.
- Explain how solar energy interacts with Earth's atmosphere and surface.
- Describe solar energy transfer to the atmosphere and factors affecting insolation.
Energy Balance
- The Earth-atmosphere system maintains dynamic equilibrium between incoming solar energy and outgoing terrestrial energy.
- Insolation varies by latitude, daylight duration, and seasonal changes.
- Latitudes at 38° North and South indicate solar energy surplus (equatorial zones) and deficits (polar zones).
Air Temperature
- Heat is energy transferred between substances due to temperature differences.
- Temperature measures average kinetic energy of molecules, using Fahrenheit (°F), Celsius (°C), and Kelvin (K) scales.
- Daily changes in insolation create temperature lag; sun is highest in the sky at noon and warmest shortly thereafter.
- Cloud cover influences air temperature by affecting solar radiation absorption.
Water's Role in Heat Transfer
- Water plays a crucial role in heat transfer through processes like convection and latent heat exchange.
Atmospheric Layers
- Troposphere, stratosphere, and ionosphere each have distinct characteristics critical for understanding atmospheric phenomena.
Greenhouse Effect
- Enhanced greenhouse effect refers to the increased concentration of greenhouse gases, contributing to rising Earth temperatures.
Earth’s Energy Budget
- The energy budget encompasses solar energy input, subsequent absorption, storage, and the loss of energy to space.
- Energy balance is achieved when incoming solar energy equals the outgoing energy, ensuring Earth's temperature remains stable over time.
Atmospheric Composition
- 99% of air resides within the first 30 km (18.6 miles) of Earth's atmosphere.
- Major permanent gases: Nitrogen (78.08%), Oxygen (20.95%), Argon (0.93%), Carbon dioxide (0.0418%).
- Water vapor concentrations range from 0 to 4%. Other trace gases include Methane, Neon, and Ozone.
Ozone Layer
- Ozone (O3) forms from UV radiation splitting oxygen molecules, protecting Earth's surface from harmful UV exposure.
- The ozone hole denotes areas of reduced ozone concentration, primarily affected by CFCs and nitrogen oxides.
Energy Transfer Processes
- Energy transfer mechanisms include:
- Radiation: Transfer from hot to cold bodies, primarily in shortwave and terrestrial forms.
- Conduction: Direct energy transfer between contacting objects.
- Convection: Rising of warmer air parcels as they expand and become less dense.
- Advection: Horizontal heat transfer.
- Latent Heat Exchange: Transfer with changing states of matter (e.g., evaporation, condensation).
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 4, covering the characteristics of the atmosphere that support life on Earth and the Earth's energy budget. Review the chapter objectives and practice exam answers. Get ready for Exam 1!
