Introduction to Earth's Atmosphere and Seasons

Chapter 1 Recap

• Key Topics: Introduction to atmosphere, basic gases, Earth's spheres
• Layers of Atmosphere:
  • Stratosphere
  • Troposphere
  • Tropopause
• Temperature:
  • Identify the warmest and coldest layers

Chapter 2: Heating the Earth's Surface and Atmosphere

Earth's Movement

• Rotation:
  • Earth spins on its axis
  • Tilted at 23.5 degrees
• Revolution:
  • Earth's orbit around the Sun
  • Affects seasons and length of daylight

Solar Energy and Seasons

• Seasonal Changes:
  • Changes in sun's angle and daylight length
  • Northern Hemisphere tilt towards Sun leads to summer (June 21st-22nd)
• Daylight Variation:
  • Summer: Longest days (~15.5 hours)
  • Winter: Shortest days (~9.5 hours)

Important Dates

• Summer Solstice: June
• Autumnal Equinox: September
• Winter Solstice: December
• Vernal Equinox: March

Sun’s Direct Rays and Latitude Lines

• Key Latitudes:
  • Tropic of Cancer: 23.5°N
  • Equator: 0°
  • Tropic of Capricorn: 23.5°S
• Sun's Rays and Seasons:
  • Equinox: Sun over Equator, equal daylight/darkness
  • Solstice: Sun's rays over Tropics, longer/shorter daylight

Energy Concepts

• Types of Energy:
  • Kinetic: Energy of motion (e.g., atmosphere molecules)
  • Potential: Ability to do work (e.g., water droplets in clouds)
• Heat Transfer Mechanisms:
  • Conduction: Direct transfer through contact
  • Convection: Vertical movement in atmosphere
  • Radiation: Energy from the sun

Specific Heat Transfer Examples

• Conduction: Heat through metal handle or spoon
• Convection: Boiling water, air rising
• Advection: Horizontal movement of heat (not main mechanism)

Understanding Radiation

• Impact: Main source of Earth's heat
• Types: All objects emit radiation, some can be harmful

Study Tips

• Review diagrams on pages 29-34 and 35-38
• Understand the significance of latitude lines for seasons
• Know the difference in daylight hours during different seasons

Study Reminders

• Review Chapter 1 and 2 thoroughly
• Focus on understanding why and how seasons change based on Earth's movement and sun's positioning
• Be familiar with the latitude lines and their impact on climate changes
• Practice identifying where the sun's direct rays hit during different times of the year