Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason for prevailing westerly winds between 30°N and 60°N latitudes?
What is the primary reason for prevailing westerly winds between 30°N and 60°N latitudes?
What is the expected outcome of increased evaporation from the oceans due to global warming?
What is the expected outcome of increased evaporation from the oceans due to global warming?
What is the potential consequence of the increased melting of glaciers and Arctic ice?
What is the potential consequence of the increased melting of glaciers and Arctic ice?
What is the primary factor influencing the patterns of ocean currents?
What is the primary factor influencing the patterns of ocean currents?
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What is the expected outcome of increased albedo in Siberia?
What is the expected outcome of increased albedo in Siberia?
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What is the primary reason for the movement of weather patterns from west to east across Canada?
What is the primary reason for the movement of weather patterns from west to east across Canada?
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What is the potential consequence of reversing the North Atlantic Drift?
What is the potential consequence of reversing the North Atlantic Drift?
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What is the primary way that heat energy transfer affects the climate?
What is the primary way that heat energy transfer affects the climate?
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What is the expected outcome of global warming on the climate?
What is the expected outcome of global warming on the climate?
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What is the primary factor influencing the climate in Europe?
What is the primary factor influencing the climate in Europe?
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What is the expected outcome of increased cold ocean currents from the Arctic?
What is the expected outcome of increased cold ocean currents from the Arctic?
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Study Notes
Heat Energy Transfer Mechanisms
- There are three mechanisms of heat energy transfer: radiation, conduction, and convection.
Radiation
- Radiation is the release of infrared radiation by a substance at a higher temperature than its surroundings.
- It is the only mechanism that works in a vacuum (outer space, including the space between the Earth and the Sun).
Conduction
- Conduction is the transfer of kinetic energy (the energy of motion) between particles in direct contact.
- It is most effective in solids.
Convection
- Convection is the movement of particles from one location to another: cooler, denser material will sink relative to warmer, less dense material.
- It is most effective in liquids and gases.
Solar Radiation
- Energy from the Sun arrives in the form of radiation (both visible and infrared).
- Not all energy is absorbed: some is reflected, with varying percentages reflected by different surfaces (e.g. ice and snow, vegetation and dark soil, ocean water).
Surface Temperature Responses
- Different surfaces have different temperature responses to the same heat energy input.
- Water has a high heat capacity, which means it takes more energy to change its temperature than land.
Heat Distribution
- Arriving solar radiation is not distributed evenly: equatorial regions receive more direct sunlight than polar regions.
- This uneven heating results in the transfer of heat energy from the equatorial region to the poles by convection in the atmosphere and hydrosphere.
Convection in the Atmosphere
- Warm, moist air at the Equator rises, releases its moisture, and cools, sinking down at around 30°N and 30°S latitude.
- The Coriolis Effect forces surface air moving toward the Equator from east to west, resulting in the NE and SE trade winds.
Convection in the Atmosphere of the Poles
- Similar convection cells result in prevailing westerly winds, which is why weather patterns across Canada move from west to east.
Convection in the Hydrosphere
- The patterns of ocean currents are complicated by the position of the continents.
Effects of Climate Change
- Global warming can change climate patterns, resulting in increased evaporation from the oceans, increased precipitation of snow, and increased albedo, leading to colder winters.
- The increased melting of glaciers and Arctic ice could result in increased cold ocean currents from the Arctic, possibly reversing the North Atlantic Drift that keeps Europe temperate.
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Description
Learn about the three mechanisms of heat energy transfer: radiation, conduction, and convection. Understand the principles of each mechanism and how they work.
