ATMOSPHERE NOTES

What is atmosphere?

-Combination of gases, dust, water droplets and ice crystals, surround the earth, and
extends from the Earths surface to outer space.

What is the atmosphere made of?

-Earths atmosphere consists mainly of Nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%) the amounts are
fairly being constant
VARIABLE ATMOSPHERIC GASES
-The concentrations of some atmospheric gases are as constant over times
Atmosphere Particles

What are the Atmospheric Layers?

-Troposphere- closest to the Earth surface and contains the most atmospheric mass
weather occurs in this layer air temperature decreases with altitude. Top is called the
tropopause.
-Exosphere- outermost layer that is the transitional region between the Earths atmosphere
and outer space
-Thermosphere- low air density so temperature rises (1000-degree C) contains the ion
sphere and ends at thermopause
-Mesosphere= Above the stratopause the air temperature decreases with altitude since very
little solar radiation is absorbed and ends at mesopause.
-Stratosphere- second most above the tropopause contains the ozone layer air temperature
increases with altitude the ozone layer absorbs the suns energy. Ends at the Stratopause.

How is heat transferred in the atmosphere?

Rememberall matter is made of particles in constant random motion,

These moving particles contain kinetic energy
-Radiation- Transfer of thermal energy by electromagnetic waves (Sun to earth)
Conduction- transfer of thermal energy when objects at two different temp. in contact
Convection-transfer of thermal energy by the movement of heated material from one
place to another