2. Atmosphere Key Terms Flashcards
9696 - Cambridge AS Geography
Diurnal Energy Budget
The balance between the incoming and outgoing energy of the Earth’s surface over a 24-hour period.
Incoming (Shortwave) Solar Radiation
The energy emitted by the sun that reaches the Earth’s surface in the form of visible and ultraviolet light.
Reflected Solar Radiation
The portion of incoming solar radiation that bounces back into the atmosphere without being absorbed by the Earth’s surface.
Energy Absorbed into the Surface and Subsurface
The portion of incoming solar radiation that is absorbed by the Earth’s surface and heats it up, some can also penetrate and heat the subsurface.
Albedo
The proportion of incoming solar radiation that is reflected back into the atmosphere by a surface.
Sensible Heat Transfer
The transfer of heat between the Earth’s surface and the atmosphere through direct contact. Warm surfaces transfer heat to the cooler air, and vice versa.
Longwave Radiation
The infrared radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface and atmosphere back towards space.
Latent Heat Transfer
The transfer of heat that occurs when water changes state (evaporation) or returns to a liquid state (condensation). Evaporation requires energy from the surroundings, cooling the surface, while condensation releases energy, warming the surroundings.
Evaporation
The process by which liquid water changes into a gas and enters the atmosphere. This process absorbs energy from the surrounding environment, leading to a cooling effect.
Dew
Water vapor that condenses on objects at night when the surface temperature falls below the dew point. This process releases energy, slightly warming the surface.
Longwave Radiation from the Atmosphere
Some of the longwave radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface is trapped by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and re-radiated back towards the surface, contributing to warming.
Global Energy Budget
The balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing Earth radiation that determines the planet’s average temperature.
Latitudinal Pattern of Radiation
The variation in the amount of solar radiation received by the Earth’s surface at different latitudes.
Excesses
Areas that receive more solar radiation than they emit back into space, typically occurring at lower latitudes.
Deficits
Areas that emit more radiation than they receive from the sun, typically occurring at higher latitudes.
Atmospheric Transfers
Processes by which heat is redistributed around the globe through the movement of air and water.
Wind Belts
Large-scale, persistent atmospheric circulation patterns characterized by prevailing wind directions.
Ocean Currents
Large-scale, continuous flows of water in the oceans driven by wind, temperature, and salinity differences.
Seasonal Variations
Changes in temperature, pressure, and wind belts throughout the year.
Influence of Latitude
The angle of the sun’s rays varies with latitude, affecting the amount of solar radiation received and influencing temperature patterns.
Land-Sea Distribution
Land heats and cools faster than water. This uneven heating creates pressure differences that drive atmospheric circulation and influence wind patterns.
Ocean Currents
Warm ocean currents transport heat towards higher latitudes, moderating their climates. Cold currents transport heat away from polar regions.
Atmospheric Moisture Processes
Processes that govern the movement and transformation of water vapor in the atmosphere.
Evaporation
The process where liquid water changes into a gas and enters the atmosphere.
Condensation
The process by which water vapor changes into a liquid state, forming clouds or dew.
Freezing
The process where water vapor or liquid water changes into ice crystals.