LEC 03: Atmosphere Fundamentals

Why Does Atmospheric Pressure Decrease with Height?

Heavy air above densifies the air below

What Do Major Constituents: Nitrogen, Oxygen, Argon, Carbon Dioxide Provide?

Stable physical and chemical conditions to sustain life and regulate climate.

Trace Gas: Carbon Dioxide Function

Absorbs longwave radiation

Trace Gas: Ozone Layer Function

Absorbs harmful UV rays

Trace Gasses: Nitrogen Oxides Function

Participates in atmospheric chemical reactions

How Are Atmospheric Energetics Controlled by Trace Gasses?

Small amounts of trace gasses = large effects on how energy moves in the atmosphere

Layer 1: Troposphere Contents, Temp Direction

Weather, down

Layer 2: Stratosphere Contents, Temp Direction

Ozone Layer, up

Layer 3: Mesosphere Contents, Temp Direction

Burnt meteors, down

Layer 4: Thermosphere Function, Temp Direction

Absorbs uv, up

Major Constituent: Nitrogen Function

Helps living things grow

Major Constituent: Oxygen Function

Respiration in living things

Major Constituent: Argon Definition

Inert gas

Major Constituent: Carbon Dioxide Functions (2)

Photosynthesis, greenhouse effect

Why Troposphere Gets Colder with Height? (2)

Earths surface heats atmosphere from below, rising air cools as pressure decreases

Why Stratosphere Gets Warmer with Height?

Ozone absorbs UV rays

Trace Gasses in Atmosphere? (3)

Carbon Dioxide, Water Vapor, Ozone

Major Gasses in Atmosphere? (3)

Nitrogen, Oxygen, Argon

Ozone Location Absorbing UV Rays?

Stratosphere

Ozone Location Polluting Air?

Troposphere

Ozone Hole: Location, Contents

Stratosphere, low ozone

Ozone Hole: Cause

Chlorine entering Stratosphere