Meteorology: Part 1

Meteorology:Part 1

Earth Science

Golodolinski/Black

2009

Meteorology Vocabulary

MeterologyThe study of the Earth’s atmospheric

changesWeather

MeteorologistA scientist who studies weather

Weather

WeatherShort term condition of the atmosphereCan change very quickly, within days,

hours, or minutesWeather is constantly changing, and it refers to

the state of the atmosphere at any given time and place. Climate, however, is based on observations of weather that have been collected over many years. Climate helps describe a place or region.

Composition of Atmosphere

Major component is air.

Air is a mixture of different gases and particles, each with its own physical properties.

Volume of clean, dry air

Other components include: water vapor, ozone,

Meteorology Vocabulary (continued)

AtmosphereThe shell of gases surrounding EarthDivided into layers based on temperature changes

with altitudeThe 4 atmosphere layers are:

TroposphereStratosphereMesosphereThermosphere

Each layer is seperated by a “-pause” In ESRT: “Selected Properties of Earth’s Atmosphere”

p. 14

Thermal Structure of Atmosphere

ESRT: “Selected Properties of Earth’s Atmosphere” p. 14

Part 1: Energy in Earth’s System

Internal EnergyInside the EarthCauses

Radioactive decayHeat left over from the forming of Earth

Part 1: Energy in Earth’s System

External Energy Solar energy from the

Sun Effected by

Position of the sun is in the sky

The amount of solar energy absorbed or reflected by the atmosphere

How long the sun is above the horizon

Insolation Incoming solar radiation


**Questions #1-4 p. 167**


**Answers #1-4 p. 167**

*Questions #1-16 p. 168-9

How Energy Reaches Earth

RadiationEnergy transfer in the form of electromagnetic

wavesCan travel through empty spaces in all directionsMost of the Sun’s energy that reaches Earth’s

surface is in the visible light range on the Electromagnetic spectrum. The sun emits light and heat as well as the ultraviolet rays

that cause a suntan. These forms of energy are only part of a large array of energy emitted by the sun, called the electromagnetic spectrum.

Radiation All objects, at any temperature, emit

radiant energy.Hotter objects radiate more total energy

per unit area than colder objects do. The hottest radiating bodies produce the

shortest wavelengths of maximum radiation.

Objects that are good absorbers of radiation are good emitters as well.

What happens to solar radiation?

When radiation strikes an object, there usually are three different results.

1. Some energy is absorbed by the object.

2. Substances such as water and air are transparent to certain wavelengths of radiation.

3. Some radiation may bounce off the object without being absorbed or transmitted.

Solar Radiation


Electromagnetic SpectrumThe classification of radiation based on wavelength,

frequency, and amplitudeESRT p.14

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Visible Light Consists of an Array of Colors

ESRT: Electromagnetic Spectrump.14

Questions #1-7 p. 170


Answers #1-7 p. 170


Answers #1-7 p. 170

Questions #1-6 p. 170-1


Angle of Insolation The altitude of the sun over the horizon, measured in

degrees Highest altitude is 90° (directly overhead) Changes depending on 3 things: time of day, latitude, season

Angle of Insolation Changes Depending on 3 Things:

1. Time of day Sunrise

Sun is lowest in the sky- cooler temperatures

Solar noon Sun is highest in the sky- warmer temperatures

Sunset Sun is low in the sky- cooler temperatures


2. LatitudeThe lower the latitutde-

the higher the angle of insolation

Equator= 0°; altitude of sun is high all year, warm temperatures

Poles= 90° (North and South); altitude of sun is low all year, colder temperatures


3. SeasonSeasonal changes occur because

Earth’s position relative to the sun continually changes as it travels along its orbit.

In the northern hemisphere: Sun is highest in the sky in June:

Warm temperatures Summer The summer solstice is on June

21; the “official” first day of summer.

Sun is lowest in the sky in December:

Cooler temperatures Winter The winter solstice is on

December 21; is the “official” first day of winter.

Solstice


Duration of InsolationThe length of time the sun is over the

horizonDepends on latitude and time of yearAt the equator (0°): 12 hour days all year

long- no seasonsAs the latitude increases…

Summer= Longer days- warmer temperaturesWinter= Shorter days- cooler temperatures


Atmospheric Transparency

Atmospheric Transparency: Reflection/ Refraction/ Absorption of Insolation

Light vs. Dark


Rough vs. Smooth


Land vs. WaterLand heats up faster than water because

water has a higher specific heatLand cools down faster than water, because

water has a higher specific heatIn the winter, the lake may not freezeIn the spring, part of the lake may still be

frozen even though the temperatures are warm

Land vs. Water


Specific HeatThe amount of heat (calories) needed to

raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance one degree Celsius.

ESRT p. 1The higher the specific heat, the more heat

energy it requires to raise the temperature of the material

The lower the specific heat, the faster it heats up

ESRT: Specific Heat p.1

ESRT: Specific Heat p.1Questions a-e p. 175

ESRT: Specific Heat p.1Answers a-e p. 175

Atmospheric Transparency

A good absorber of electromagnetic energy is a good radiator of electromagnetic energy. If a material heats up quickly, it will also cool down quickly.


Terrestrial Radiation

Terrestrial RadiationRadiation from Earth’s Surface

InfraredLong wave radiation emitted from Earth’s

surface and other terrestrial objects


Greenhouse effectOccurs as long wave radiation (infrared) is

trapped within Earth’s AtmosphereGreenhouse gasses, such as carbon dioxide

and waver vapor, absorb the long wave radiation

Traps in heat which causes Earth’s surface temperatures to increase

About 50 percent of the solar energy that strikes the top of the atmosphere reaches Earth’s surface and is absorbed.

Questions #1-9 p. 177-8


ConductionTransfer of energy

from molecule to molecule

Most effective in solids, but can occur in gasses or solids

ExampleMetal bar


ConvectionEnergy transfer caused by the differences in

densityOccurs in fluids (liquid or gasses)Most dominant heat transfer in Earth’s

AtmosphereWarm air rises, cool air sinks

Questions #1-4 p. 179;

Section Review Questions #1-16 p. 180-2

Meteorology: Part 1

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