atmospheric features

Atmospheric Composition

The mixture of gases that make up the atmosphere, primarily nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%).

Dry Atmosphere

The portion of the atmosphere that does not include water vapor, consisting mainly of nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and trace gases.

Water Vapor

The amount of water present in the atmosphere, which can range from 0.01% to 4%, averaging about 1%.

Interacting Systems

The systems that interact with the atmosphere, including the biosphere (humans and built environment), hydrosphere (water bodies), and lithosphere (land components).

Weather

The short-term state of the atmosphere, including conditions like temperature, precipitation, and wind.

Climate

The long-term average of weather patterns in a specific area, typically averaged over 30 years or more.

Weather vs

Weather refers to day-to-day atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to long-term averages and trends.

Troposphere

The lowest layer of the atmosphere, where most weather and clouds occur, and where most of the water vapor is found.

Stratosphere

The layer above the troposphere, containing the ozone layer and where temperatures begin to increase with altitude.

Atmospheric Layers

The different levels of the atmosphere, primarily focusing on the troposphere and stratosphere in this course.