I. Energy inputs and outputs

A. Abstract schematic diagrams

B. The Sun and the Earth as radiators

1. Electromagnetic spectrum

2. Black Bodies

 

II. The atmosphere

A. Composition

B. Properties of gases -- (review of molecular description)

1. Temperature

2. Pressure

3. Density

C. Heating the atmosphere

1. Radiation, convection and conduction

2. Special gases and absorption of radiation

a. Ozone

b. CO2, H2O and CH4

3. Temperature profile of the atmosphere

a. Significance of TREND

 

III. Spatial and temporal changes in energy input

A. Earth-Sun geometry

B. Perpendicular vs high angle rays

1. Area

2. Relfectivity

3. Loss to atmosphere

IV. Earth-Sun systematics -- the seasons

A. Latitude and longitude

B. Position of sun in sky: Angle of incidence (major effect)

C. Duration of sunlight (major effect)

D. Patterns of temperature change with latitude

1. Yearly average

2. Temperature range

 

V. Long term changes

A. The recent geologic record

1. Homeostasis or instability

2. Cause of Ice Ages -- Issue of climate "forcing"

Objectives:

1. Name the five most common gases in the atmosphere and give their relative or absolute abundance.

2. Give molecular descriptions of the terms temperature, pressure and density and use the description to explain changes in air pressure and density that occur with changing elevation.

3. Describe how temperature can affect pressure for gases in a closed container. For gases in the atmosphere. Describe the effect on the density of air.

4. Two gases are at the same temperature and pressure but have different densities. Explain.

5. Describe the differences in solar and terrestrial radiation patterns. Relate differences to temperature vs elevation graph for the atmosphere.

6. Describe radiation, convection, and conduction as they relate to atmospheric heating.

7. Relate molecular descriptions of pressure, density and temperature to the formation of convection currents in the atmosphere.

8. Discuss the effect of angle of incidence of the Sun's rays to average energy input.

Discuss reasons for reduced energy/sq. cm. at high angle of incidence.

9. State the relationship between distance and energy received from a light source. Explain why this effect is of secondary importance to seasonal temperature change.

10. Describe the position of the Earth's axis of rotation to the Sun's rays at the summer and winter soltice and at the equinoxes.

11. Relate the change in position to of the Earth's axis to seasonal change in energy input caused by changing angle of incidence and hours of sunlight.

12. Describe latitudinal changes in yearly average temperature and yearly temperature range. Relate these changes to changing angle of incidence and hours of sunlight.

13. Sketch graphs indicating relationships between hours of sunlight and temperature, angle of incidence and temperature, latitude and average temperature, latitude and temperature range.

14. Describe the change in temperature of the atmosphere vs. altitude with emphasis on the distinct trends seen in the lower (0-15 km.) and upper (20-50 km.) atmosphere. Relate the two trends to the heat sources and heating mechanisms in the lower and upper atmosphere.

15. Consider the effect of increased seasonality on climate of the northern hemisphere and whether increased seasonality would be more or less likely to produce ice ages.

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