1. Heating the atmosphere Solar energy (UV radiation) is absorbed Darker objects absorb more radiation than lighter objects which reflect radiation Albedo ability to reflect light radiation Absorbed radiation converted to heat (infrared radiation) Heat radiates off object and warms surrounding air

2. Earths Warming Mechanism Greenhouse effect Natural and Essential Process Global Warming is a DESIRED result of the greenhouse effect Without this process the earth would be uninhabitable An INCREASED RATE of Global Warming could cause global climate consequences 3. Greenhouse gases Contained in the upper troposphere Carbon dioxide (CO2) Water Vapor (H2O) Methane (CH4) Nitrogen Oxide (N2O) Form a barrier that reflects infrared radiation and traps it 4. Greenhouse Effect UV radiation (short-fast wavelengths) from sun penetrates atmosphere UV Radiation is absorbed by the earth surfaces UV Radiation is converted to heat (infrared radiation long-slow wavelengths) Infrared radiation rises into the atmosphere Long slow wavelengths cannot penetrate the greenhouse gases in atmosphere Heat is trapped in troposphere warming the earths air and surface. 5. Circulation of air Recall Convection Transfer of heat through a fluid Energy warms the air density decreases Warm air rises As air rises it cools density increases Cool air falls repeats 6. Atmospheric circulation Uneven heating of the earths surface causes temperature differences Temperature differences create pressure differences Pressure differences cause air to move High pressure air moves and pushes low pressure air WIND is generated 7. Coriolis effect Non Rotating Earth model Winds would blow only from north pole to equator Rotating Earth model Rotation of earth creates Coriolis Effect Deflection of actions due to earths rotation Northern Hemisphere rotate to the right Southern Hemisphere rotates to the left Creates Atmospheric circulation cells and wind belts 8. Coriolis efffect 9. Wind Belts Three major wind belts created by Coriolis effect 60 90 degrees latitude Polar Easterlies winds blow FROM the east 30 60 degrees latitude Westerlies winds blow FROM the west 0 30 degrees latitude (equator) Trade Winds blow from east to west 10. The convection cells redistribute heat and moisture creating the climate regions north and south of the equator.