Components of Earths Climate Earths Climate System 4

Components of Earth’s Climate

Earth’s Climate System • 4 Main Components – Atmosphere – Hydrosphere – Lithosphere – Biosphere

1. Atmosphere • Layers of mixed gases • “skin on a tomato…” • Conserves energy – keeps Earth warm • Blocks harmful radiation (ozone)

Atmosphere • You. Tube: “Reveal Earth’s Atmosphere”

2. Hydrosphere • Includes liquid water, vapour and ice • Moves energy from one place to another • Water cycle very important – cooling

The Water Cycle

2. Hydrosphere • Hydro = water • bodies of water affect nearby climate – Cooler in summer – Warmer in fall – Eg. Lake effect snow (moist air picks up water; deposits it as snow over land)

LAKE EFFECT SNOW More snow on south shore!

2. Hydrosphere • Ice – 2% frozen at poles – Sea ice (Arctic) thin – Ice sheets (Antarctic) thick – Reflects more energy – Areas are colder

3. Lithosphere • Aka Earth’s Crust • Extends under oceans • Absorbs UV; converts to thermal energy; emits infrared (low energy) • Mountains affect air movement (rain shadow effect) • Lower air pressure up high (air cools)

4. • Aka Living Things • All plants and animals • Change gas levels – Photosynthesis – Respiration – Methane • Gases absorb infrared (inc. temperature) Biosphere

4. • Scientists attempting to artificially create • Alter climate – see effect on plants and animals • Not profitable – built for 500 million, sold for 50 million! Biosphere