Atmosphere Flashcards
1
Q
Definition of Albedo:
A
reflected back
2
Q
Total albedo affect:
A
anything being reflected
3
Q
Why is the earth’s atmosphere put into motion?
A
because of the differential heating of the Earth’s surface by solar insolation
4
Q
The global heat budget
A
- the earth gets heated by solar energy from the sun.
- when this energy is travelling towards the earth it is at 100% and this is short wave radiatio.
- once this energy enters the atmosphere, 23% is absorbed by the atmosphere (4% clouds, 19% water vapour, gases and dust)
- 17% is reflected back by the clouds
- 8% is reflected by atmosphere gases and dust
- this leaving 52% of solar energy to reach the earth.
- As this energy reaches the surface, 6% is reflected by the earth’s surface, leaving 46% to be absorbed by the surface’s land and water.
5
Q
Coriolis effect in the northern hemisphere:
A
deflects movement to the right
6
Q
Coriolis effect in the southern hemisphere:
A
deflects movement to the left
7
Q
How are wind belts formed?
A
by the combination of atmospheric cells and Coriolis effect
8
Q
Wind belts:
A
drives surface ocean circulation
