1Earth-Sun RelationsThe AtmospherepEarth-Sun relations Earth motions • Rotates on its axis• Revolves around the SunSeasons—Result of constant axial tilt• Changing Sun angle • Changing length of daylight Plane of the EclipticPlane of the Ecliptic Sun incidence Sun Angle--EquatorSun Angle—Mid-Latitude Sun Angle—High Latitude Sun Angle with Latitude2Solar latitudesEarth-Sun relations Special days • Solstice—Sun's vertical rays are located at the Tropic (23½º latitude) • June 21-22 •December 21-22December 2122• Equinox—Sun’s vertical rays located at the Equator (0olatitude)• March 21-22• September 21-22Highest SunLowest Sun Midnight Sun Daylight at Solar latitudesAtmospheric heating Heat is always transferred from warmer to cooler objects Mechanisms of heat transfer • Conduction• Convection • Radiation (electromagnetic radiation) Mechanisms of heat transferFigure 16.16The electromagnetic spectrumFigure 16.173The heating of the atmosphereFigure 16.21Average distribution of incoming solar radiationFigure 16.19Proportional volume of gases that compose dry airFigure 16.3Composition of the atmosphereAir is a mixture of gasesMajor components of clean, dry air • Nitrogen (N) – 78%O(O)21%•Oxygen (O2) –21%• Argon and other gases • Carbon dioxide (CO2) – 0.036% – absorbs heat energy from Earth Variable components of air• Water vapor • Aerosols• OzoneDust and aerosolsAtmospheric pressure variation Figure 16.5with altitudeThermal structure of the atmosphereFigure 16.7Atmospheric layers based on temperature•Troposphere•Stratosphere• Mesosphere•
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