Meteorology and Oceanography
Meteorology and Oceanography
Meteorology and Oceanography
DRAW AND LABEL A TYPICAL VERTICAL TEMPERATURE PROFILE THROUGH THE LOWER 100 KM OF THE EARTHS ATMOSPHERE
subdivided into concentric layers, according to the vertical profile of the average air temperature.
Based on Temperature Profile, the atmosphere is subdivided vertically into four zones.
TROPOSPHERE
layer where we live lowest region of atmosphere weather phenomena occurs air temperature is warmer
stratosphere
second major layer of the atmosphere 15 km to 50 km above the surface thinner air very little moisture and dust
Following may found: jet streams and Ozone Layer TEMPERATURE INCREASES WITH ALTITUDE
MESOSPHERE
50-80 km
higher up this layer temperature
thermosphere
extends from 80 km
Transition zones
-Trapopause -Mesopause -Stratopause -Thermopause
STATE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SUN AS THE PRINCIPAL SOURCE OF THE ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES.
weather on Earth is the sun. The uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun influences the formation of different air masses and stimulates ocean currents. The continuous interaction between the sun, sea and the sky governs our weather and climate.
SOLAR RADIATION
As solar radiation travels through
the atmosphere, it interacts with the gases and aerosols that compose the atmosphere. These interactions involve reflection, scattering, and absorption.
REFLECTION
Occurs at the interface
between two different media such as air and cloud when some of the radiation striking that interface is thrown.
Atmospheric reflection.
In this process, the solar radiation striking an atmospheric particle is redirected back to space unchanged.
scattering
directions up, down, and sideways. Both gas molecules and aerosols in the atmosphere scatter solar radiation but with some important differences. Scattering by molecules is wavelength dependent.
The process of atmospheric scattering causes rays of sunlight to be redirected to a new direction after hitting a particle in the atmosphere. In this illustration, we see how three particles
send light rays off into three different directions. Scattering does not change the striking light ray's wavelength or intensity
ABSORPTION
Through absorption, radiation
is converted to heat. Most absorption within the atmosphere is by oxygen, ozone, water vapor, and various aerosols.
Atmospheric absorption. In
this process, sunlight is absorbed by an atmospheric particle, transferred into heat energy, and then converted into longwave radiation emissions that come from the particle.