The Biosphere

Weather

The conditions of a certain place at a certain time, focusing on the present.

Climate

Averages and long-term patterns of temperature and weather over large areas of land.

Solar Radiation

Electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun that warms 99.97% of the Earth's surface.

Solar Cycles

Time periods of approximately 11 years during which the sun undergoes changes in activity.

Daylight Distribution

Every location on Earth receives the same amount of daylight per year, but solar radiation varies due to the Earth's tilt.

Earth's Wobble

A slight change in the Earth's orientation and tilt, affecting its position relative to the "north star."

Atmosphere

Composed of three distinct layers that block and reflect most solar radiation.

Troposphere

The lowest layer of the atmosphere, containing most of Earth's living life.

Stratosphere

The middle layer of the atmosphere, home to the ozone layer that absorbs UV-C and UV-B rays.

Ozone Layer

A region in the stratosphere containing O3 that absorbs or scatters harmful UV rays.

Mesosphere

The highest layer of the atmosphere, which is least protected against radiation.

Albedo

The reflectivity of the Earth; higher albedo indicates more light is reflected, helping to control the planet's heat.