1 - Energy in the Atmosphere Flashcards
Where is most of the air mass?
Troposphere consists 90% of the air mass
Stratosphere contains ozone layer
Why is dry air analysed?
Average air composition. Water causes chemical fluctuations
Forms of energy?
Kinetic, potential, heat, chemical, radiation (high wavelength, low energy)
Wien’s law
objects at different temperatures emit spectra at different wavelengths
Inverse relationship
Black body
An idealised physical body which absorbs all incident radiation regardless of frequency or angle. smooth spectrum
Stefan Boltzmann law
Total emitted energy increases with temperature
Doubling T is extreme - T4
Why does the sun radiate at a shorter wavelength?
Higher surface temperature thus more radiation and higher energy
Shortwave radiation?
Reflection, scattering, absorption, re-emission
Why are incoming and outgoing fluxes almost equal? *(check)
Due to dynamic state equilibrium. Climate responds to changes in radiation primarily through chemical weathering
Why is most absorption over tropical areas? *
Highest level of incoming radiation (direct), more clouds which can absorb radiation and no ice albedo effect
How is energy transferred laterally?
Sensible heat, latent heat and ocean currents
Why do deserts cool and heat more quickly than the ocean?
Lower heat capacity and thus faster response time
Why is there seasonal variations in co2? *
Most decomposition occurs from fall to spring (increased co2) and most photosynthesis during spring to fall. Also influenced by Milankovitch and sub Milankovitch cycles
Why is there the opposite seasonal cycle for o2? *
Inverse relationship. During summer there is low co2 but high o2 due to increased photosynthesis where o2 is a biproduct
