atmosphere

Earth's Energy Budget

The balance of energy entering (100) and leaving (100) the earth.

Thermosphere

The outermost layer of the atmosphere, which is cold to hot.

Mesosphere

The layer of the atmosphere closer than the thermosphere, with temperatures that range from hot to cold.

Stratosphere

The atmospheric layer closer than the troposphere, where the ozone layer is located and temperatures go from cold to hot.

Ozone Layer

A layer made up of oxygen and ozone that absorbs ultraviolet light.

Troposphere

The closest layer to Earth where weather occurs, with temperatures ranging from hot to cold.

Conduction

The process of heat energy being transferred through collisions.

Radiation

The process by which rays of sunlight keep the Earth heated.

Emitting

The act of releasing energy or substances.

Absorbing

The process of energy or substances being taken in by Earth.

Greenhouse Gasses

Gasses that trap heat and contribute to climate change, including carbon, methane, and water vapor.

Greenhouse Effect

The natural process that keeps Earth at a suitable temperature, which becomes problematic when there are excessive greenhouse gases.

Climate vs Weather

Climate refers to regional patterns (e.g., tropical/rainy), while weather pertains to short-term atmospheric conditions.

Climate Factors

Elements influencing climate, including location, equator position, ocean winds, proximity to water, and elevation.

Albedo

A measure of how much light is reflected from a surface; high albedo (white) reflects, low albedo (black) absorbs.

Altitude

The height above sea level.

Latitude

The position of a point relative to the equator, measured in degrees.

Rainshadow Effect

A phenomenon where moisture is lost from clouds as they ascend mountains, causing the inland area to be dry.

Feedback Loops

Processes where negative loops lead to stability (e.g., water regulation) and positive loops cause instability and change.

Paleoclimate

The study of past climates to understand climatic changes over time.

Tree Ring Data

Data obtained from counting and measuring tree rings to determine age and precipitation levels over time.

Specific Heat

The amount of energy required to increase the temperature of 1 of a substance by 1°C.

Main Components in Atmosphere

Nitrogen and oxygen are the most abundant gases in the Earth's atmosphere.

Ice Cores

Cylinders of ice drilled from ice sheets or glaciers that provide historical climate data.

Significance of Ozone Layer

Located in the stratosphere and absorbs harmful UV rays to protect life on Earth.

Sun’s Energy Transfer

Energy from the sun is transferred to Earth through radiation, conduction, and convection.

Greenhouse Gasses List

Key greenhouse gasses include carbon dioxide and methane.

Function of Greenhouse Gasses

They trap heat in the atmosphere, functioning like a blanket to maintain temperature.

Ozone Layer vs Greenhouse Effect

The ozone layer protects from harmful rays, while the greenhouse effect traps heat.

Consequences of Excess Greenhouse Gasses

Too many greenhouse gasses can lead to increased heat, more rainfall, extreme weather, and climate change.

Climate Proxy Evidence

Tree ring data is a climate proxy that indicates historical climate conditions.

Positive Feedback in Warming

Positive feedback loops can cause Earth to get warmer by amplifying initial changes.

Factors Affecting Climate

Seven factors include rainshadow, currents, altitude, latitude, distance to water, volcanic eruptions, and plate tectonics.

Albedo Impact on Temperature

Darker surfaces (low albedo) absorb more radiation, leading to increased temperatures, while lighter surfaces (high albedo) reflect more.