ATMOSPHERE STRUCTURE & COMPOSTION

Energetic oxygen molecules

99.9% of gas lies below this layer

Little mixing of air, has beneficial ozone

N2 (79%), O2(20%) horizontal and vertical

mixing of air

Solar radiation is absorbed by O2

Fewer gases absorb little energy

O3 absorbs solar energy(UV-B & C) and

pushes it downward creates isotherm

Convection creates cool air as it rises

Energy Budget.

100% insolation 30% is reflected back to space: clouds, atmosphere, earth’s surface 70% is absorbed mostly in the shorter wavelength solar radiation

51% by earth’s surface 19% by atmosphere & clouds

Light energy comes through the atmosphere….(U.V. Radiation)

..the energy is absorbed by the Earth…

…and radiated back as infrared energy…

…where greenhouse gasses

retain the heat.

CH4CH4 H2OH2O

N2ON2OCFCCFC

CO2 CO2

Atmosphere: Energy budgetAlbedo varies with season and geography

Surface cover that has a high albedo

Snow & iceCloud coverAerosols