ENERGY AND HEATING OF THE

ATMOSPHERE

• Energy – the ability to do work

Potential vs. Kinetic Energy

• Kinetic Energy

Energy of motion Stored energy, energy when at rest

Potential Energy

Dynamic Equilibrium

• Equilibrium –

• Dynamic Equilibrium -

Things balancing out

Region loses and /or gains equalamounts of energy

How does heat energy travel?

• The energy that heats the Earth comes from the Sun and is called

Incoming Solar Radiation

• The higher the sun angle, the _________ the temperatures

insolation

higher

Transfer of Energy

• Heat moves from ________ (hot) to ______ (cold)

sourcesink

Transfer of Energy – how heat moves

• - electromagnetic energy that can travel through anything

• Convection –

• Conduction -

Radiation

Energy transfer by direct contact, solids, liquids, gases

caused by differences in densities and temperatures; gases and liquids

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKWCKL9WV3g

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzE_IPedujc&feature=related

What happens to Sun’s energy (radiation from Sun)?

A. Reflected by Earth’s SurfaceB. Reflected by Clouds and Air

What happens to Sun’s energy?

C. Absorbed by 1. Clouds 2. Earth

GOOD ABSORBER = GOOD RADIATORMaterials that absorb quickly also re-radiate

quickly

ABSORBER vs. REFLECTORS• Best Absorbers –

• Best Reflectors –

Rough, black, dull

Smooth, shiny, white

Objects absorb shortwave radiation from the sun

And re-radiate the energy as longwave (infrared) radiation

• The sun emits about 7% of UV radiation and 44% of visible that reaches the earth

• The earth and atmosphere absorb that energy then re-emit entirely as Infrared energy (heat)

GREENHOUSE EFFECT

Greenhouse Effect

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas and methane and other gases in the atmosphere absorb the longwave (infrared) radiation;

• HEAT is “trapped”

• Creates a warmer atmosphere

Why is it warmer on acloudy night than on a clear night?

Clouds absorb IR energy radiated by the Earth (trap the heat). On a clear night,

the IR energy escapes back into space.

Specific Heat

• The amount of heat required to raise the _______________ by one degree Celsius

• ESRT Page _____

temperature

1

• _______ has the highest specific heat so it takes the _______ towarm up and the longest to _____ down

Waterlongest

cool

• Which material heats up the fastest and why? lead

Because it has the lowestspecific heat