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Discover the composition, structure, and dynamics of Earth's atmosphere, from gas mixtures to wind patterns to cloud formations. Learn about factors influencing climate and strategies to address climate change.
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Weather and Climate Glenco Chapter 17 Pearson Chapter 24
Earth’s Atmosphere • The air is a mixture of gases, Nitrogen, Oxygen and trace gases. • Microorganisms produce the gases. • The theory is that over time the atmosphere developed into the air we now breath.
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/educators/resources/spacesuit/composition.asphttp://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/educators/resources/spacesuit/composition.asp
Atmospheric structure • Weather takes place in the Troposphere. • Ozone is in the Stratosphere. As altitude increases, Air pressure and density Decrease.
Latitude and Longitude • These affect the climate based on the angle of the Sun’s rays.
Wind • Winds are caused by differences in air pressure • Local Winds: are caused by unequal heating of the earth’s surface in a small area.
Global Winds • Winds that blow over long distances from a specific direction. • Move in huge bands called convection cells • Warm air at the equator rises and replaced by cooler air. • Called, Trade winds,Westerlies, and polar easterlies
Humidity • The amount of water vapor in the air • This can condenses as dew, frost or fog if the air temperature drops.
http://www.vivoscuola.it/us/rsigpp3202/umidita/lezioni/form.htmhttp://www.vivoscuola.it/us/rsigpp3202/umidita/lezioni/form.htm Cloud formation
Using your book add details to the types of clouds. Pg 762-763
Weather Patterns • Pg 765- 771 in Pearson book • Answer 24.5 assessment questions 1-6 pg 771
Climates • Two things determine a regions climate: • Temperature and Precipitation
Temperature • Latitude • Distance from large bodies of water • Ocean currents • altitude
Precipitation • Latitude • Distribution of air pressure systems • Global winds • Mountain barriers http://mycozynook.com/102RGCh34OH.htm
El Nino • Warming of water in central and eastern Pacific Ocean • A current of water moves west • Causes a different weather pattern
Global Warming now called Climate Change • One possible theory is the increase of Co2 and other gases in the atmosphere is causing climate change. • The green house effect.
Possible cures • Energy Conservation • Alternative non carbon producing power sources: Please list them for yourselves. • Reduce the amount of gases produced.
Research • Using your laptops please research and write a one paragraph summation of current US policy addressing Climate Change. • Google: “current US policy on climate change” • EPA.gov/ climate change