Earth's Atmosphere
Earth Science - Middle School
Atmosphere and Weather
Multimedia Lesson
Atmosphere Overview
Presentation
Layers of the Atmosphere
Presentation
Weather
Presentation
Clouds and Precipitation
Presentation
Weather Patterns
Presentation
Severe Weather
Presentation
Predicting Weather
Presentation
Weather Forecasting
Virtual Lab
Cloud Types
Interactive
Types of Severe Weather
Interactive
Earth's Atmosphere
Study Guide
Earth's Atmosphere
Quiz
Earth's Atmosphere
Flash Cards
Earth's Atmosphere
Worksheet
Earth's Atmosphere
Game
Earth's Atmosphere
Vocabulary List
Earth’s Atmosphere
Flip Chart
Our Atmosphere
Flip Chart
Layers of the Atmosphere
Flip Chart
Earth’s Atmosphere Vocabulary Review
Flip Chart
Study Guide Earth's Atmosphere
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THE EARTH’S ATMOSPHERE The Composition of Earth’s Atmosphere The Earth is unique in our solar system because it has an atmosphere that can support life. By comparison, Venus has an atmosphere that is high in ammonia and other caustic gases; it is so dense that it would crush a human. On the other hand, Mars has no atmosphere at all. Earth’s atmosphere contains oxygen, nitrogen, water and other gases. It is 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% other gasses including carbon dioxide and water vapor. Properties of the Earth’s Atmosphere Earth’s atmosphere has mass and weight because it contains gaseous elements that have mass and weight. The force that gases in the atmosphere exert on a surface is called air pressure or atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure is greatest near sea level because gravity pulls the molecules in the atmosphere close to the Earth’s surface. Therefore, there are more gas molecules near Earth’s surface. There are fewer gas molecules at greater distances from the Earth’s surface and so atmospheric pressure decreases at greater altitudes. Differences in air pressure are responsible for air movement. Wind is simply moving air. It is created, in part, by differences in air pressure between different regions. In general, surface winds blow from the poles to the equator. The air pressure at the poles is higher than the air pressure at the equator. This is because the air is warmer at the equator and therefore is less dense while the air is colder at the poles and therefore is denser. Air pressure increases with air density. Global wind patterns are very complex. Bands of winds that blow in different directions occur in regular patterns as one moves from the equator to the poles. For example, the winds that blow from 30 degrees latitude (north and south) and in a westerly direction are called the trade winds. The westerlies are winds that blow from the southwest to the northeast from 30 degrees to 60 degrees latitude (north and south). The easterlies are winds that blow from the poles to 60 degrees latitude (north and south). The easterlies blow toward the west. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.
There are also belts of high-speed winds that occur high in the atmosphere. They significantly affect weather patterns. These winds can move at speeds as great as 500 kilometers/hour. These high- speed winds are known as jet streams. Lesson Checkpoint: What is a jet stream? Structure of the Earth’s Atmosphere The Earth’s atmosphere is composed of layers each with different characteristics. The layer of the atmosphere in which you live is the densest of all the layers. It contains oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, pollution, and weather, to name a few. This layer is the troposphere. Temperature in the troposphere decreases with altitude. The next layer in the Earth’s atmosphere is the stratosphere. Surprisingly, temperature increases with altitude in the stratosphere. The upper portions of the stratosphere are heated by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The stratosphere includes the ozone layer. The ozone layer is a protective layer of ozone molecules that filter ultraviolet radiation from the sun, thus protecting Earth’s organisms from its harmful effects. Ozone is a molecule that contains three oxygen atoms. Commercial airliners fly in the lower portions of the stratosphere because this gets them above the effects of weather. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.
The next layer above the stratosphere is the mesosphere. “Mesosphere” is from two Greek words that mean “middle ball,” because this layer is in the middle of the atmosphere. It is the coldest layer of the atmosphere: temperatures here can be as low as –100 degrees Celsius. It is the least understood of the atmospheric layers. Above the mesosphere is the thermosphere. In this layer of the atmosphere, temperature increases with altitude. There are very few particles in this layer, but the particles move very rapidly. It does not feel hot in the thermosphere, however. It is described as having a very high temperature because the particles in the thermosphere are moving so rapidly. (Temperature is a function of the motion of particles, not of how “hot” it feels. When particles are close to one another, as in the troposphere, they bump into each other and heat is created.) The ionosphere is the upper part of the thermosphere. The ionosphere is a portion of the atmosphere that radiates energy in the form of different colors. These colors can be seen near the poles. In the north this light display is called the aurora borealis (northern lights) and in the south, it is called the aurora australis (southern lights). The outermost layer of Earth’s atmosphere is called the exosphere. Only very light gases, like hydrogen, helium and individual oxygen molecules, are found here. Some of these gases can escape from the exosphere into space. Lesson Checkpoint: Name two layers of the Earth’s atmosphere. Air Quality Air is affected by a number of naturally occurring and human- produced factors. These factors in turn affect the environment. One reason that Earth is habitable is that the air near its surface holds heat. Energy is transferred from the sun as electromagnetic radiation. The heat we feel at the surface of the Earth is the result of the molecules moving rapidly due to this radiation. This movement results in heat. Obviously, without the right amount of heat, life could not exist. Different processes transfer heat in the troposphere (that is, the air at Earth’s surface). When two objects touch each other, heat moves by conduction from the warmest to the coolest until the temperatures of the two objects are equal. Heat transfers to the air from solid objects on the Earth’s surface and from the surface itself. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.
Moving currents of air transfers most of the heat energy that is in the atmosphere. This is called convection. Warm air near the surface is less dense so it rises. As it does, it cools and becomes denser so it sinks back to the surface. This creates circular currents called convection currents (which work just like convection currents that circulate magma in the Earth’s mantle). There is growing concern that heat is building up near the Earth’s surface. Radiation balance is the phrase that refers to the balance between the amount of electromagnetic radiation that comes into the Earth’s atmosphere and the amount of heat that leaves the atmosphere. When the balance is thrown off, too much heat can accumulate which can cause dramatic changes in global environments. Some scientists have studied the Earth’s present climate and have concluded that there is a dangerous accumulation of carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels. This accumulation of carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere is believed to trap heat nearer the Earth causing average temperatures to rise. The gases act like the glass roof of a greenhouse and therefore have been termed greenhouse gases. Global warming is the theory that greenhouse gases are trapping heat near the Earth’s surface and are creating a rise in average global temperatures. The concern is that global warming causes problems that cannot be reversed. Polar icecap melting, rising ocean levels, dramatic changes in habitats and the consequences this will have on wildlife, and changes in weather patterns are all considered outcomes of global warming. Pollution The atmosphere can also be altered, and damaged, by pollution. Some pollution is created naturally. For example, volcanic ash and gases, dust, swamp gas, pollen and smoke from wildfires are all considered forms of natural pollution. As we know, humans put tons of pollutants into the atmosphere every day. Scientists categorize air pollution into two groups. Primary pollution is pollution that is put directly into the air, such as volcanic ash or exhaust from a car. Secondary pollution is pollution that is created when primary pollution reacts with something in the air. For example, smog is a secondary pollutant. When car exhaust reacts with light and air, ozone is created. Ozone in turn reacts with more car exhaust to create smog. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.
Acid precipitation is another secondary pollutant created by the burning of fossil fuels. Burning coal and oil that has high sulfur content releases the sulfur into the air. The sulfur then reacts with water to form sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid raises the pH of lakes, ponds and streams and causes corrosion. Air pollution is truly a global concern. When pollutants are put into the air in one place, they are easily carried by winds to distant places. The acid rain and other problems created by airborne pollution are never just a local problem. They are carried hundreds of miles and can affect the environments of communities hundreds if not thousands of miles away. Lesson Checkpoint: What is secondary pollution? © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.
Table Of Contents: Atmosphere and Weather
1. Atmosphere Overview
2.1. Composition of the Atmosphere
The layer of gases that surrounds our planet is called the atmosphere. The atmosphere is composed of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% other gases. Water vapor and tiny particles of dust, smoke and other chemicals are also found in the atmosphere.
2.2. Importance of the Atmosphere
The Earth is unique because it has an atmosphere that can support life. Oxygen and gases in the air are necessary for survival. The atmosphere also traps the sun’s energy to maintain moderate temperatures and forms a protective layer from the sun’s radiation.
2.3. Atmospheric Pressure
The force that atmospheric gases exert on a surface is called air pressure, or atmospheric pressure. This pressure is highest near sea level because gravity pulls the air molecules close to the Earth’s surface. As the altitude increases, the air pressure decreases.
2.4. Air Pollution
Humans add pollutants into the atmosphere every day. Natural sources of air pollution include volcanic ash, pollen and wildfire smoke. Air pollutants can travel great distances and impact environments around the globe.
2. Layers of the Atmosphere
3.1. Five Atmospheric Layers
The atmosphere is composed of five main layers—the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere. Each layer has different characteristics.
3.2. Troposphere
We live in the troposphere. This is the densest layer, containing gas, water vapor, pollution and most weather elements. As altitude increases in the troposphere, the temperature gets colder.
3.3. Stratosphere
The stratosphere is above the troposphere. Higher altitudes of the stratosphere are warmer because they are heated by the sun’s radiation. The ozone layer that filters harmful ultraviolet radiation is found in the stratosphere.
3.4. Mesosphere
The mesosphere is the coldest layer of atmosphere, with some temperatures as low as minus 100 degrees Celsius. Meteoroids burn up in this layer and leave behind trails of glowing gases known as shooting stars.
3.5. Thermosphere
The thermosphere is located in the upper atmosphere, and the temperature gets warmer as the altitude increases. Air particles in this layer are not dense, but they move very quickly. The ionosphere is a part of the thermosphere that contains charged gas particles that create natural light displays called auroras.
3.6. Exosphere
The exosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere. Only very light gases, like hydrogen, helium and individual oxygen molecules are found here.
3. Pause and Interact
4.1. Review
Use the whiteboard tools to complete the activity.
4. Weather
5.1. What is Weather?
The condition of the atmosphere at a specific time in a specific place is known as the weather. The weather includes and is affected by temperature, wind, water and air pressure.
5.2. Weather and the Sun
Weather is driven by the energy from the sun. Energy reaches the Earth as electromagnetic radiation. Molecules in the atmosphere and on the Earth absorb this radiation and begin to vibrate, creating heat energy.
5.3. Global Winds
Global winds are created by the differences in temperature and air pressure between the poles and the equator. The curved direction of these winds is caused by the Earth’s rotation and is called the Coriolis effect.
5.4. Water Cycle
The water cycle is the movement of water from the Earth’s surface to the atmosphere and back. The sun’s energy heats water, causing it to evaporate and form water vapor. When water vapor accumulates, clouds will form. Eventually water precipitates out of the clouds and falls back to Earth.
5.5. Humidity
The amount of water vapor in the air is called humidity. Relative humidity is the percentage of water vapor in the air as compared to the maximum possible humidity at a certain temperature. The dew point is the temperature at which the water vapor will condense to form water droplets or ice crystals.
5. Clouds and Precipitation
6.1. Cloud Formation
Clouds form when water vapor condenses and droplets of water or ice crystals accumulate in the atmosphere. Clouds are categorized by their shape and altitude. The three main types of clouds are cirrus, stratus, and cumulus. Each cloud type is associated with different weather.
6.2. Three Main Types of Clouds
Cirrus clouds are thin, wispy clouds that form at high altitudes and are composed of ice crystals. Stratus clouds form in layers that spread across the sky and often bring continuous rain or snow. Cumulus clouds are large, puffy clouds that are typical of fair weather.
6.3. Other Types of Clouds
A cumulonimbus cloud is a very large cumulus cloud that is responsible for thunderstorms and extreme weather. Altocumulus and altostratus clouds form in the middle of the atmosphere, above 6,000 feet. Stratus clouds that form close to the ground are called fog.
6.4. What is Precipitation?
Precipitation is water that has condensed in the atmosphere and falls to the Earth. Rain, sleet, snow and hail are different forms of precipitation. The type that falls depends on the temperature.
6.5. Rain, Sleet, Snow and Hail
Rain typically falls from stratus clouds in the form of a drizzle or mist. Sleet is a mixture of water and ice, while snow is basically water that has crystallized. Hail forms during a thunderstorm when water droplets move through a cycle of rising, freezing and falling inside a cumulonimbus cloud.
6. Weather Patterns
7.1. Air Masses
Air masses are large bodies of air that have similar temperatures and water content throughout. Air masses and their movements determine the regional weather.
7.2. Types of Air Masses
Air masses are named and characterized by the regions where they come from—arctic, polar or tropical. Continental air masses are typically dry and originate over continents. Maritime air masses are wet and originate over oceans.
7.3. Movement of Air Masses
In the United States, wind belts called the westerlies move air masses from west to east. When air masses move and interact with each other, the weather changes. Warm air is less dense, and it will rise when it meets cooler air.
7.4. Cold and Warm Fronts
A weather front is the boundary where two different air masses meet. A cold front occurs when a cold air mass runs into a warm air mass and creates clouds, rain and storms. A warm front occurs when warm air moves into a cold region, causing drizzly rain or light snow and an increase in the humidity.
7.5. Stationary and Occluded Fronts
A stationary front forms when two different air masses meet and show little movement. This can cause several days of precipitation. An occluded front occurs when a warm air mass is caught between two cold air masses. The warm air that moves upward is cut off from the ground and may form clouds.
7. Pause and Interact
8.1. Review
Use the whiteboard tools to complete the activity.
8.2. Cloud Types
Click on the Terms button. Then click and drag each term to the correct box. Use the reset button to clear the terms and start over. Use the gear button to customize the draggable terms.
8. Severe Weather
9.1. Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are small high-energy weather systems that create heavy rain, wind and lightning. These storms form when rapidly rising warm air condenses into an electrically charged cumulonimbus cloud. Lightning occurs when electricity is discharged from the cloud.
9.2. Tornadoes
Tornadoes are funnels of high-speed, rotating winds that often develop in cumulonimbus clouds. Tornadoes form when there is a drastic change in wind direction with increasing altitude.Tornado alley is a region in the central United States that has a high frequency of tornadoes.
9.3. Hurricanes
A hurricane is a large, tropical rotating weather system. A hurricane forms when winds moving in different directions collide over warm ocean water. As long as a hurricane is over open water, it has the potential to grow in strength.
9.4. Winter Storms
Winter weather occurs when moisture-rich air masses encounter cold, polar air masses. A snow belt exists in the northern United States along the Great Lakes, where warm water vapor mixes with cold air masses and creates lake-effect snow.
9. Pause and Interact
10.1. Types of Severe Weather
Follow the onscreen instructions.
10. Predicting Weather
11.1. Forecasting the Weather
Meteorologists are scientists who study and predict weather. They use charts, images, computers and weather instrument data to prepare weather forecasts. In the United States, most weather information comes from the National Weather Service.
11.2. Weather Technology
Advances in technology have improved the accuracy of weather forecasting. Doppler radar allows meteorologists to track the location, movement and intensity of precipitation in a region. Weather balloons and satellites provide large amounts of information that is quickly processed by sophisticated computers.
11.3. Weather Maps
Meteorologists use symbols on maps to indicate weather fronts, air pressure, precipitation, and more. Fronts are indicated with a line that has a triangle or half circle pattern. Areas of equal atmospheric pressure are shown using isobar lines and the symbol H or L.
11. Vocabulary Review
12.1. Atomsphere and Weather Vocabulary Matching
Meteorologists are scientists who study and predict weather. They use charts, images, computers and weather instrument data to prepare weather forecasts. In the United States, most weather information comes from the National Weather Service.
12. Virtual Investigation
13.1. Weather Forecasting
In this virtual investigation you will collect weather information, write a weather report and make a weather forecast. To gather weather data, you will explore and read instruments found at a weather station. Observations of the sky and cloud types will also be used as predictors of the weather.
13. Assessment
14.1. Atmosphere and Weather
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