Docsity
Docsity

Prepare for your exams
Prepare for your exams

Study with the several resources on Docsity


Earn points to download
Earn points to download

Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan


Guidelines and tips
Guidelines and tips

Atmospheric Science Section - Planet Earth - Lecture Notes, Study notes of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences

The key points are:Atmospheric Science Section, Composition and Structure, Atmosphere, Phenomena Exist, Atmosphere Properties, Pressure, Temperature, Moisture Content, Atmospheric Sciences, Composition

Typology: Study notes

2012/2013

Uploaded on 04/29/2013

arpanay
arpanay 🇮🇳

4.4

(18)

159 documents

1 / 8

Related documents


Partial preview of the text

Download Atmospheric Science Section - Planet Earth - Lecture Notes and more Study notes Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences in PDF only on Docsity! Lecture Topics Brief Outlines IV. Atmospheric Science Section 1. Introduction, Composition and Structure of the Atmosphere Learning objectives: Understand the basic characteristics of the atmosphere – structure, especially the lower layer in which most weather phenomena exist; the composition of the atmosphere; and atmosphere properties – pressure, temperature, moisture content. Reading: 310-316 Figures to study: Text, Figures 11.4, 11.7, 11.8 Topics: Basic topics in atmospheric sciences: structure (layering: pressure, temperature and moisture) and composition of the atmosphere, solar radiation, atmospheric circulation, seasons, weather, climate, global warming, ozone “hole”, pollution, acid rain Earth’s atmosphere Composition: Nitrogen and Oxygen, minor constituents and important trace elements Layering: by temperature, pressure, moisture content Pressure decreases with altitude; in the lowest layer (the troposphere) temperature decreases with altitude; generally, moisture content decreases with altitude. The “top” of the atmosphere is a gradual transition into space. Docsity.com 2 2. Circulation of the Atmosphere, Weather Forecasting Learning objectives: Understand atmospheric circulation (wind) on a global, regional and local scale. Circulation driven by uneven heating of the atmosphere by the Sun caused by spherical shape of the Earth (polar regions receive less heating) and the Earth’s tilt which causes seasons and variations in the length of daylight hours. Reading: Text, pages 316-325, 356-364, 392-400 Figures to study: Text, Figures 11.11, 11.12, 11.13, 11.14, 11.15, 11, 17, 11.18, 11.39, 11.40, 13.5, 13.6, 13.10, 13.11, 13.14, 13.15, 14.6, 14.7, 14.8, 14.9, 14.10 Topics: Circulation: global, regional, local: Trade winds, global circulation pattern Solar radiation Most electromagnetic radiation (energy) from Sun is in visible, infrared and ultraviolet range of wavelengths. Solar energy – amount of energy reaching Earth; energy transfer in the atmosphere Reasons for seasons – Earth’s tilt Less direct angle (Sun’s rays spread out over a wider area) in winter. Docsity.com 5 Fronts move due to global circulation pattern (movement of high and low pressure areas, generally west to east in the mid-latitude area of the conterminous US, and counter-clockwise circulation about the lows (also moves front generally to the east) Fronts are also areas of rapid vertical movement of air creating strong temperature and humidity variations and severe weather Weather forecasting approaches 3. Climate Learning objectives: Understanding climate and climate change Reading: Text, pages 310-311, 317-331 Figures to study: Text, Figures 11.20, 11.21, 11.24, 11.26, 11.28, 11.29 Topics: Methods of climate study. Causes of climate change – Astronomical effects (Milankovitch Cycles), Continental Drift, Solar “Constant”, Volcanism, Greenhouse Gases. Relationship of global circulation to climate zones – example of deserts at about 30o N and 30o S latitude. Docsity.com 6 Climate change in past million years. 4. Hurricanes, Tornadoes Learning objectives: Understanding the development and effects of severe weather – hurricanes and tornadoes. Reading: Text, pages 395-414 Figures to study: Text, Figures 14.5, 14.6, 14.7, 14.8, 14.9, 14.11, 14.12, 14.13, 14.16, 14.17, 14.18, 14.22, 14.23, 14.24, 14.25 Topics: Where hurricanes form. Energy for hurricanes – solar radiation, heat transfer from ocean waters, latent heat of condensation. Huricane circulation – move with trade winds, circulation about the eye of the hurricane. Damage and hazards from hurricanes. Some famous hurricanes – Camille, Andrew, Hugo, Katrina. Hurricane tracks and landfall. Docsity.com 7 Tornadoes – relationship to fronts and thunderstorms. Locations and “seasons’ for tornadoes. Conditions for formation. Tornado characteristics – Fujita intensity scale. Examples of tornado occurrence and damage. 5. Greenhouse Effect, Atmospheric Pollution, Ozone Depletion, Acid Rain Learning objectives: The greenhouse effect and a brief look at human influences on the atmosphere. Reading: Text, pages 314-315, 325-331 Figures to study: Text, Figures 11.6, 11.23, 11.24, 11.25, 11.26, 11.28, 11.29, 11.30 Topics: Greenhouse Effect – greenhouse gases, human contributions, heating of the atmosphere, CO2 and methane in the atmosphere. Docsity.com
Docsity logo



Copyright © 2024 Ladybird Srl - Via Leonardo da Vinci 16, 10126, Torino, Italy - VAT 10816460017 - All rights reserved