Atmospheric Composition and Structure Neon …...Atmospheric Composition and Structure What is in...
Transcript of Atmospheric Composition and Structure Neon …...Atmospheric Composition and Structure What is in...
Atmospheric Composition and Structure
What is in the Atmosphere?
• The other gases include...
Neon Krypton Methane Helium Xenon Hydrogen Ozone
• The atmosphere is mostly air, which is a mixture of gases.
• There is also water vapor and small particles in the atmosphere.
Layers of the Atmosphere
Troposphere
Thermosphere
Stratosphere
Exosphere
Mesosphere
Key Facts: Troposphere• Lowest level of the atmosphere
– Experiences the highest air pressure. – Contains most of the atmosphere’s mass. – Most dense layer – Heated by the Earth through conduction.
• According to the temperature profile, as altitude increases, temperature decreases. – Allows for the creation of
convection currents.
The Troposphere is characterized by weather!
Key Facts: The Stratosphere
• According to the temperature profile, as altitude increases, temperature increases. – There is a temperature
inversion, which means warm air is on top of cold air!
– Air CANNOT rise because it is colder than its surroundings, and cold air sinks!!
Ozone Layer!
Key Facts: The Mesosphere• The mesosphere is colder because
the gases CANNOT absorb the sun’s radiation. – Continues through to the surface
where it is absorbed. – Top of this layer is somewhere
between -90°C and -100°C.
• The thermosphere contains gases that absorb the sun’s radiation. – Blocks the x-rays and some UV-
radiation. – The temperature depends on the
sun’s activity.
Factors that Affect Climate• Climate greatly affects
the species that exist in an ecosystem. – Climate is the average
weather of an area over a long period of time.
Temperature Precipitation
• Two main climate factors that influence life in an ecosystem are: