Post on 01-Jan-2016
Atmosphereand Weather Patterns
Taylor Science2013-2014
Layers of the Atmosphere
TroposphereLife, Weather
Highest air densityTemperature decreases with altitude
StratosphereOzone Layer, jet planes, weather balloonsSecond highest air densityTemperature increases with altitude
MesosphereSounding rockets, meteors burn upTemp decreases with altitudeColdest layerDensity decreases with altitude
ThermosphereSatellites, space stationTemperature increases with altitudeWarmest layerDensity decreases with altitude
ExosphereOutermost layerTemperature decreases with altitudeLowest air density
Composition of Air
Nitrogen 78%
Oxygen 21%
Carbon Dioxide 0.93%
Trace Gases o.o4%
Water CycleWater Cycle
Condensation
Runoff
Burning Fossil fuels
Lightning and
Precipitation
Machinery and Fertilizer
Bacteria transform in soil
and water
Animals eat Plants
Plants absorb
from soil and water
Waste and decomposition of plants and
animals
Bacteria breakdown plant and animal
matter
Gas returns to the atmosphere
Carbon Cycle
RadiationConduction
Convection
SunHeat Transfer
Clouds
Factor Affecting Weather
• Temperature- measures kinetic energy in molecules– Thermometer
• Humidity- measures water vapor in air– Hygrometer
• Pressure- measures the force air applies on a surface– Barometer
• Wind- horizontal movement of air– Anemometer
Air Density vs. Air Pressure
An increase in air density results in an increase in air pressure.
Air Density Air Pressure
Air Density Air Pressure
Temperature
Higher the temperature = higher the kinetic energyHigher the temperature = lower the air densityHigher the temperature = lower the air pressureHigher the temperature = lower the relative humidity
Pressure areas form how?
• Warm air rises and produces areas of low pressure.– Light and airy…it floats
• Cold air sinks and produces areas of high pressure.– Heavy and forceful…sinks
Wind forms when…
• Differences in air pressure are present.• Air moves from areas of high pressure to areas
to low pressure.• Rising warm air creates low pressure• Sinking cold air creates high pressure
Global Winds
HumidityRelative humidity compares:
The amount of water in the air to the amount of water that can be in the air
Example:
The measuring cup can hold up to 2 cup.Filled 1 cup = 50% full
Filled 1 ½ cup = 75% fullFilled 2 cups = 100% full
Factors Affecting Relative HumidityTemperature
Saturation
Saturation- When the rate of evaporation equals the rate of condensationAir reaches saturation when it passes 100% relative humidity.Dew Point- describes the temperature at which air reaches saturation.
Air masses
FrontsFronts: the transition zone between two air masses of different densities.
Stationary Front A front that is not moving.
Cold Front Leading edge of colder air that is replacing warmer air.
Warm Front Leading edge of warmer air that is replacing cooler air.
Occluded Front When a cold front catches up to a warm front.
Fronts