Atmospheric Energy, Structure, and Temperature

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering atmospheric structures, solar radiation, heat transfer mechanisms, energy budgets, and geographic controls on temperature.

Solar Energy

Provides over $99\%$ of the energy driving atmospheric processes.

Exogenic Energy

Energy originating outside Earth (Sun).

Endogenic Energy

Energy originating within Earth (geothermal, volcanism).

Kinetic Energy

Energy of motion.

Potential Energy

Stored energy.

Temperature

Related to the kinetic energy of molecules.

Stefan–Boltzmann Law

Hotter objects emit more radiation ($E=\sigma T^4$).

Wien's Law

Hotter objects emit shorter peak wavelengths.

Solar Constant

Approximately $1370\,\text{W/m}^2$ of incoming solar radiation outside Earth's atmosphere.

Shortwave Radiation ($K$)

Incoming radiation from the Sun.

Longwave Radiation ($L$)

Infrared radiation emitted by Earth.

Air Pressure

Force exerted by the weight of air above a surface; decreases with altitude.

Air Density

Mass per unit volume; generally decreases with altitude.

Troposphere

Lowest layer; most weather occurs here.

Environmental Lapse Rate

Average temperature decrease of $6.4\,^\circ\text{C}$ per km in the troposphere.

Tropopause

Upper boundary of the troposphere.

Stratosphere

Temperature increases with altitude due to ozone absorbing UV.

Temperature Inversion

Temperature increases rather than decreases with altitude.

Mesosphere

Coldest atmospheric layer; temperature decreases with altitude.

Thermosphere

Temperature increases with altitude.

Ozonosphere

Ozone-rich region that absorbs harmful UV radiation.

Ionosphere

Absorbs high-energy radiation.

CFCs

Chemicals that destroy ozone, contributing to ozone-layer thinning.

Radiosonde

Weather balloon instrument measuring atmospheric conditions.

Energy Budget

Balance of incoming and outgoing energy.

30% Reflected

Solar radiation returned to space.

23% Absorbed

Solar radiation absorbed by the atmosphere.

47% Absorbed

Solar radiation absorbed by Earth's surface.

Albedo

Reflectivity of a surface.

High Albedo

Reflects more radiation (snow).

Low Albedo

Absorbs more radiation (dark pavement).

Net Shortwave Radiation ($K^*$)

Incoming minus reflected solar radiation.

Net Longwave Radiation ($L^*$)

Downward minus upward infrared radiation.

Atmospheric Counter-Radiation

Longwave radiation emitted downward by the atmosphere.

Greenhouse Effect

Atmospheric absorption and re-emission of infrared radiation helps warm Earth's surface.

Radiation

Energy transfer through electromagnetic waves.

Sensible Heat ($Q_H$)

Heat transferred from warmer to cooler areas.

Latent Heat ($Q_E$)

Energy absorbed or released during a phase change.

Conduction

Heat transfer through direct molecular contact.

Convection

Heat transfer through movement of air or water.

Advection

Horizontal transport of heat by moving air or water.

Evaporation

Liquid $\rightarrow$ gas; absorbs heat.

Condensation

Gas $\rightarrow$ liquid; releases heat.

Net Radiation ($Q^*$)

Overall balance of incoming and outgoing radiation.

Energy Surplus

More energy gained than lost; generally occurs in tropical regions.

Energy Deficit

More energy lost than gained; generally occurs near the poles.

Meridional Energy Flux

Transfer of energy from equator toward poles.

Global Energy Balance

Over the long term, energy gained equals energy lost.

Seasonality

Seasonal changes in solar energy caused by Earth's axial tilt.

Latitude

Controls solar angle; lower latitudes generally receive more direct sunlight.

Altitude

Higher elevations generally have lower temperatures.

Cloud Cover

Reflects incoming sunlight and affects outgoing heat.

Specific Heat

Energy required to change a substance's temperature.

Land–Water Heating Differences

Land heats and cools faster than water.

Maritime Influence

Nearby oceans moderate temperature extremes.