Heating of the Atmosphere

Transfer of energy as electromagnetic waves Earth receives only about two-billionths of sun’s

energy

Energy is absorbed by surface heats surface

Transfer of thermal energy from one material to another by direct contact Always moves from warm to cold areas

Air is heated by land and ocean surfaces

Transfer of thermal energy by the circulation or movement of a liquid or gas Warm air : less dense rises Cool air : more dense sinks

Cool air forces warm air up cool air eventually heated by the ground Process known as a convection current

Process of gases in the atmosphere trapping thermal energy (Earth’s heating process) Gases, such as CO2 and water vapor

prevent heat from escaping to space

Increase in average global temperatures Also known as “climate

change” Results from increased

greenhouse gases in atmosphere

Human activity is leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions Burning fossil fuels and

deforestation