(THE ATMOSPHERE) Major Earth Science Concepts

Describe the structure (layers) and composition (major gasses) of the atmosphere.

-Earth's atmosphere is composed of about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 0.93% argon. The remainder, less than 0.1%, contains many small but important trace gases, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone. -The layer closest to the surface is the troposphere, which contains over 80% of the atmospheric mass and nearly all the water vapor. The next layer, the stratosphere, contains most of the atmosphere's ozone, which absorbs high energy radiation from the sun and makes life on the surface possible. Above the stratosphere are the mesosphere and thermosphere. These two layers include regions of charged atoms and molecules, or ions. Called the ionosphere, this region is important to radio communications, since radio waves can bounce off the layer and travel great distances.

Explain the connections between the atmosphere, global winds, ocean currents, weather and climate.

-The Coriolis Effect does not impact the wind speed, only the wind direction. The Coriolis Effect impacts objects on a large scale and does not generally have a big influence on small scale objects at the earth's surface. Though hurricanes are small scale compared to the overall globe, hurricanes need the Coriolis Effect to help develop the circular motion of their circulations. Tornadoes are not impacted by the Coriolis Effect because they are so small in scale and short in duration. The direction water goes down the drain is also not impacted by the Coriolis Effect. -The global circulation of air drives some of the Earth's ocean currents and helps to redistribute the solar energy that reaches Earth, moderating climate and impacting environments for all life on Earth.

How are weather and climate similar/different?

-When we talk about "weather," we're discussing the changes we see and feel outside from day to day in terms of temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind, clouds, barometric pressure, and other factors .Two main elements are: PRECIPITATION and TEMPERATURE -Climate sums up the weather conditions that prevail in a particular area over a long period. For scientific purposes, 30 years is the standard period that distinguishes weather and climate. Four types of geographical features on the planet help determine climate: LATITUDE, WIND AND OCEAN CURRENTS, PROXIMITY TO COASTLINES, AND ALTITUDE

Describe what causes atmospheric circulation and the Coriolis effect

-Winds circulate around the globe because of the rotation of the earth and the energy from the sun. The general direction of the winds varies around the globe depending on factors like latitude and proximity to oceans. The direction of the wind at various levels in the atmosphere determines the local climate and steers around weather systems and severe weather. -The Coriolis Effect describes the turn of the wind to the right in the Northern Hemisphere caused by earth's rotation.The Coriolis Effect contributes to the circular motion of the wind around pressure systems which move weather patterns in the southeastern United States.

Label a diagram showing the layers of the atmosphere and the characteristics of each.

The Troposphere contains dust, moisture, and weather. The Stratosphere contains the protective ozone. The Mesosphere is the coldest layer The Thermosphere contains auroras, high temperature but low heat

Explain the cause of seasonal changes and how the tilt and revolution of the Earth affect seasonal change.

The earth is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees during a revolution. The tilting of the axis results in direct sunlight on different places, during different seasons. This causes variations in the duration of days, nights, and seasons.