Lesson 1-Character of Earth Supporting Life PDF

Atmosphere The atmosphere is the thin layer of gases surrounding our planet. It protects us from harmful solar radiation and helps regulate temperature. Without it, life on Earth would be impossible. by Jonna Fe Marie Composition of the Atmosphere The atmosphe...

Atmosphere The atmosphere is the thin layer of gases surrounding our planet. It protects us from harmful solar radiation and helps regulate temperature. Without it, life on Earth would be impossible. by Jonna Fe Marie Composition of the Atmosphere The atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen, with trace amounts of other gases, such as argon, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. Nitrogen (N2) Oxygen (O2) 1 2 Makes up about 78% of the atmosphere, Makes up about 21% of the atmosphere, essential for plant growth. crucial for respiration. Carbon Dioxide Water Vapor (H2O) 3 4 (CO2) A greenhouse gas that plays a role in Varies in concentration, influencing weather regulating Earth's temperature. patterns and climate. Layers of the Atmosphere The atmosphere is divided into several layers, each with unique characteristics. Troposphere 1 The lowest layer where weather occurs. Stratosphere 2 Contains the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation. Mesosphere 3 A cold layer where meteors burn up. Thermosphere 4 Characterized by very high temperatures due to absorption of solar radiation. Exosphere 5 The outermost layer, where the atmosphere gradually merges with space. Atmospheric Pressure and Temperature Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude, while temperature varies depending on the layer. Pressure Temperature Caused by the weight of air above a given point. Affected by solar radiation and atmospheric composition. 1. Higher at sea level Generally decreases with altitude in the 2. Decreases with altitude troposphere Increases in the stratosphere due to the ozone layer The Greenhouse Effect The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth's surface. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap some of the outgoing heat radiation, preventing it from escaping into space. Natural Process Essential for maintaining a habitable temperature on Earth. Enhanced Greenhouse Effect Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, increase greenhouse gas concentrations. Global Warming The enhanced greenhouse effect contributes to a gradual increase in Earth's average temperature. Atmospheric Circulation and Wind Patterns Uneven heating of the Earth's surface drives atmospheric circulation, resulting in wind patterns. Hadley Cells Convective cells near the equator that create trade winds. Ferrel Cells Mid-latitude cells that influence temperate climates. Polar Cells High-latitude cells that create polar easterlies. Clouds and Precipitation Clouds form when water vapor condenses in the atmosphere, and precipitation occurs when condensed water droplets or ice crystals become too heavy to remain suspended. Cumulus Puffy, cotton-like clouds Stratus Flat, layered clouds Cirrus Thin, wispy clouds made of ice crystals Air Masses and Fronts Air masses are large bodies of air with relatively uniform temperature and humidity. Fronts are boundaries between different air masses. Cold Front Cold air advances and displaces warm air. Warm Front Warm air advances and overrides cold air. Stationary Front Two air masses meet but neither advances. Occluded Front A cold front catches up with a warm front. Severe Weather Phenomena Severe weather phenomena, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms, pose significant risks to human life and property. Lightning Hurricanes Tornadoes A sudden discharge of static Intense low-pressure systems with Violent rotating columns of air that electricity in the atmosphere. strong winds and heavy rainfall. touch the ground. The Importance of Atmospheric Studies Understanding the atmosphere is crucial for predicting weather, mitigating climate change, and ensuring human well-being. Weather Climate Change Environmental Forecasting Essential for planning Mitigation Monitoring and understanding Protection Assessing air quality and activities and protecting life greenhouse gas emissions. protecting public health. and property.