Lecture Notes: Atmosphere and Heating of the Earth's Surface

Chapter One Recap: Introduction to the Atmosphere

• Atmospheric Layers: Stratosphere, Troposphere, Tropopause.
• Important Questions: Warmest and coldest layers, Earth's spheres.

Chapter Two: Heating the Earth's Surface and Atmosphere

Earth's Movements

• Rotation: Earth's spinning on its axis (tilted at 23.5°).
• Revolution: Earth's orbit around the Sun.
• These movements lead to the development of seasons and variations in daylight.

Solar Energy and Daylight

• Seasonal Changes:
  • Summer Solstice: Around June 21-22.
  • Autumnal Equinox: Around September 22.
  • Winter Solstice: Around December 20-22.
  • Vernal Equinox: Around March 19-22.
• Daylight Variation: More daylight in summer (~15.5 hours) than in winter (~9.5 hours).

Important Concepts

• Key Latitude Lines:
  • Tropic of Cancer: 23.5° N.
  • Equator: 0°.
  • Tropic of Capricorn: 23.5° S.
• Sun's Direct Rays:
  • Affect seasons by hitting different latitudinal lines.
  • Summer Solstice: Rays hit Tropic of Cancer.
  • Winter Solstice: Rays hit Tropic of Capricorn.
  • Equinox: Rays hit the Equator.
• Equinoxes: Equal daylight and darkness (12 hours each).

Energy and Heat Transfer

• Energy Types:
  • Kinetic: Energy of motion (e.g., atmospheric molecules).
  • Potential: Ability to do work (e.g., water droplets in clouds).
• Heat Transfer Mechanisms:
  • Conduction: Heat transfer through matter (e.g., metal spoon in hot water).
  • Convection: Heat transfer by movement of fluids or air.
  • Radiation: Energy from the sun heating the Earth.
  • Advection (not a main mechanism): Horizontal movement of heat.

Heat and Seasonal Effects

• Radiation: Essential for warming; lack of sun leads to cooler climates.
• Seasonal Temperature Changes: Caused by Earth's tilt and orbit around the Sun.

Key Diagrams and Figures

• Smart Figures: Pages 23, 29-34 in the textbook.
• Important Figures: 2.2, 2.5, 2.6, 2.9.
• Latitude Effects: Influence on seasons and temperature.

Class Reminders

• Review Chapters 1 and 2 thoroughly.
• Understand: The significance of Earth’s tilt, orbit, and how these affect seasons.
• Diagrams: Study textbook figures for visual understanding.
• Test Preparation: Focus on questions related to solar energy, Earth's movements, and heat transfer.