ATMOSPHERE ATMOSPHERE VAPOUR SPHERE Layer of air surrounding

ATMOSPHERE

ATMOSPHERE (VAPOUR SPHERE) Layer of air surrounding the Earth Composition of Air (low altitude) 21% 78% Other: etc…

ATMOSPHERE (LAYERS) 500 km 80 km 50 km Troposphere 15 km

ATMOSPHERE (LAYERS) 500 km 80 km 50 km Troposphere 15 km

ATMOSPHERE (LAYERS) 500 km 80 km 50 km Troposphere 15 km 75% of the atmosphere (by mass)

ATMOSPHERE (LAYERS) 500 km 80 km 50 km Ozone layer Stratosphere Troposphere Ozone, O 3, absorbs UV radiation 15 km 75% of the atmosphere (by mass)

ATMOSPHERE (LAYERS) 500 km 80 km Mesosphere Coldest layer 50 km Ozone layer Stratosphere Troposphere Ozone, O 3, absorbs UV radiation 15 km 75% of the atmosphere (by mass)

re re he sp ato ere ph os es M Str po Tro Space shuttle Endeavour Earth

ATMOSPHERE (LAYERS) 500 km Thermosphere Hottest layer 80 km Mesosphere Coldest layer 50 km Ozone layer Stratosphere Troposphere Ozone, O 3, absorbs UV radiation 15 km 75% of the atmosphere (by mass)

ATMOSPHERE (LAYERS) Exosphere Thermosphere Most satellites orbit 500 km Hottest layer 80 km Mesosphere Coldest layer 50 km Ozone layer Stratosphere Troposphere Ozone, O 3, absorbs UV radiation 15 km 75% of the atmosphere (by mass)

ATMOSPHERE (LAYERS) Exosphere Thermosphere Most satellites orbit 500 km Hottest layer 80 km Mesosphere Coldest layer 50 km Ozone layer Stratosphere Troposphere Ozone, O 3, absorbs UV radiation 15 km 75% of the atmosphere (by mass)

Troposphere (to scale) (75% of Earth’s atmosphere) Satellites orbit

So, where would the Moon be? (to scale) We need a different scale

Earth Moon

Atmospheric Pressure The pressure of the air in the atmosphere Ø The more particles (air molecules), the higher the pressure. High Pressure Low Pressure (Molecules further apart; fewer collisions) (Crowded; many molecular collisions) Wind • Air particles tend to move from high-pressure to low-pressure areas. • This movement gives rise to winds.

Atmospheric Circulation Global movement of air surrounding the Earth • Warmer air (less dense) at the equator tends to rise, leaving behind a lower pressure zone near the surface. • Cooler air moves in from higher pressure areas (from the north and south). • This circulation helps balance the temperature on Earth. North pole South pole Equator

Atmospheric Circulation Global movement of air surrounding the Earth Ø Coriolis Effect: Air circulation is also affected by the fact that the Earth is spinning, causing air to take a curved path.

Atmospheric Circulation Air Mass: Mass A large portion of atmosphere that has a relatively uniform temperature and humidity.

Atmospheric Circulation Cold Front: Cold air mass moves into warm air. Cold air Warm air rises rapidly, cools, forms clouds, and often produces heavy rain

Atmospheric Circulation Warm Front Warm air mass moves into cold rises gradually over the cold air, forming light, stratified clouds. (Often results in long-lasting showers) ir a Warm

Energy Resources in the Atmosphere Wind Power Motion Electricity Wind Energy* Electrical Energy * A form of kinetic energy

Energy Resources from Space Solar Power Light Electricity Solar Energy Electrical Energy (or Radiant Energy)