Atmosphere

AtmosphereBlanket of gases around EarthIt protects us from harmful rays.It is always changing due to people breathing, trees, and cars.

AtmosphereNitrogen 78%Oxygen 21%Other gases 1%

F. Y. I.

The other gases consists mostly of the following:

Water vaporCarbon dioxideArgon

AtmosphereDivided into layers by temperature

Thermosphere: contains IonosphereMesosphere: lowest temperaturesStratosphere: ozone layerTroposphere: weather occursGround level

Question:

If the mesosphere is in the middle of the other layers, why is it the coldest layer?

Answer:The troposphere’s temperature varies with elevation. The mesosphere is sandwiched between the stratosphere and the thermosphere. The stratosphere is warm because it contains the ozone layer (the ozone layer absorbs solar radiation). The thermosphere is the closest layer to the sun and also absorbs solar radiation.

Remember the layers:

We live in the troposphere.The ozone’s in the stratosphere.The coldest is the mesosphere.The upper is the thermosphere.

Atmosphere

F. Y. I.The ionosphere reflects AM radio waves. When it is clear outside the waves can be transferred around the world.

AtmosphereThe troposphere contains 90% of the atmosphere’s total mass.Almost all of the Earth’s CO2, water vapor, clouds, air pollution, weather, and life forms are found in the troposphere.

F. Y. I.

You can think of the atmosphere as pyramid. The people on the bottom of the pyramid feel squished because they are carrying the weight of the people on top of them. The troposphere is the most dense because it has the weight of the others layers on top of it.

F. Y. I.Temperature changes are due to the way solar energy is absorbed.

Warmer = more energy being absorbedCooler = less energy being absorbed

Atmospheric Pressure

Question:

Have your ears every popped on an airplane or in an elevator?

Answer:When you are on an airplane or in an elevator the pressure outside you ears changes while the pressure inside your ears stays the same. The popping occurs when the two pressures suddenly become equal!!

Atmospheric Pressure

Gas has mass (weight)Gas takes up spaceAtoms in the atmosphere are pushed together by the mass of air above them.

Definition:

Air pressure: the force air exerts on objects it contacts

Air PressureFactors that influence air pressure:

Elevation (lower level = higher pressure)Temperature (cold air sinks so pressure increases)Density (high density = high pressure)

Question:If cold air sinks and warm air rises, why is it cold at the top of a mountain?

Answer:There are not as many molecules at the top of a mountain (the air is not as dense) so there aren’t as many available to come into contact with your body to transfer heat.

Atmospheric Pressure

High pressure = fair weatherLow pressure = stormy weather

Atmospheric Pressure

Measure pressure using a barometer