Meteorology:
Key Idea: Most of the phenomena that we observe on Earth involve interactions among components of air, water, and land.
The Atmosphere:
- consists of a mixture of gases (78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% gases like ozone, water vapor, and carbon dioxide)
- liquids and solids are suspended in the atmosphere and can affect weather and climate
- materials from burning fossil fuels (gas exhaust from cars), dust from volcanic eruptions, pollen, ice crystals, water droplets... all of these particles are from either natural events of human activities. These particles can block the sunlight and make Earth cooler
- 4 stratified layers: (stratified = divided)
- troposphere- contains the most gases and moisture.. weather forms here (clouds and storms) [we live here]
- stratosphere- air is dry, the ozone layer is here (absorbs UV sunlight) so the temperature is warmer
- mesosphere- no water vapor, very clean, temperature decreases
- thermosphere- uppermost layer where meteors disintegrate; altitude increases, air pressure decreases, water vapor decreases