Heating Earth's Surface and Atmosphere

1. Heat Transfer Mechanisms

1.1. Conduction Heat transfer through molecular collisions Convection Heat transfer via substance movement (thermal currents) Radiation Electromagnetic spectrum, including visible light, infrared, ultraviolet

2. Radiation Laws

2.1. All objects emit radiation Hotter objects emit more and shorter wavelength radiation Good absorbers are good emitters

3. Earth's Heat Budget

3.1. Balance of incoming and outgoing radiation 30% of solar radiation is reflected; 70% is absorbed

4. Greenhouse Effect

4.1. Natural phenomenon trapping outgoing radiation Key gases: Carbon dioxide, water vapor Effects of deforestation on radiation emission

5. Atmospheric Scattering

5.1. Reflection, scattering, backscattering of light Causes of blue sky, red sunsets Role of atmospheric gases (e.g., nitrogen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, oxygen)

6. Earth-Sun Relationships

6.1. Principal Motions of Earth

6.1.1. Rotation: Spinning of Earth on its axis (day/night cycle) Revolution: Movement around the Sun (annual cycle) Perihelion: Closest point to the Sun (January 3) Aphelion: Farthest point from the Sun (July 4)

6.2. Causes of Seasons Earth's tilt and orbit Sun angle and intensity of solar energy

7. Sun Angle and Intensity

7.1. Higher sun angle = Higher energy intensity Direct vs. Indirect light

8. Solstices and Equinoxes

8.1. Summer Solstice (June 21-22) Sun directly hits the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) Winter Solstice (December 21-22) Sun directly hits the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S)

9. Sun Noon Angles Calculation

9.1. Factors: Latitude, Date (Solstice) Steps: Transform solstice dates into latitudes Compare location latitude and solstice latitude Calculate Arc Distance Subtract Arc Distance from 90 General Formula: 90 − ( Arc Distance ) 90−(Arc Distance)

10. Temperature and Heat

10.1. Definitions Temperature = Heat Kinetic Energy = Movement Energy Energy Types Kinetic Energy: Motion Potential Energy: Stored energy