Transcript Insolation and Temperature
Topic 4: Insolation & Temperature
Energy in Earth-Atmosphere System: Solar Energy - Geothermal Energy
Solar Radiation: Electromagnetic Radiation or Radiant Energy Insolation Insolation Patterns
Topic 4: Insolation & Temperature
Insolation Patterns => Daily Insolation patterns => Annual Insolation Patterns => Global Insolation Patterns
The Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere System Heating and Cooling Processes in the Atmosphere
Topic 4: Insolation & Temperature
The Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere System Heating and Cooling Processes: => Radiation, Absorption => Reflection, Scattering => Transmission, Conduction => Convection, Advection => Adiabatic Cooling & Warming => Latent Heat
Topic 4: Insolation & Temperature
T
he Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere System Atmospheric Energy Budget Latitudinal Radiation Balance Land and Water Contrasts
Mechanisms of Heat Transfer: Atmospheric Circulation Oceanic Circulation
Topic 4: Insolation & Temperature
Air Temperature Patterns: Vertical Air Temperature Patterns: => Lapse Rates => Temperature Inversions Daily & Annual Cycles of Air Temperatures Global Pattern of Air Temperature
Factors in the Variation of Air Temperature
Energy in Earth-Atmosphere System
What is energy?
Energy is what causes changes in the state or condition of matter: what causes matter to move?
what causes matter to change direction? what causes water to change from liquid to vapor?
.
Energy in Earth-Atmosphere System
The ANSWER to those questions is ENERGY
Many types of energy: Kinetic Energy Chemical Energy Radiant Energy
Energy cannot be created nor destroyed but can change from one form to another
Energy in Earth-Atmosphere System
Two major sources of energy in the earth-atmosphere system: Solar Energy (99.97%) Geothermal Energy (0.03%)
Solar energy is produced in the sun by thermonuclear reactions (i.e., nuclear fusion of hydrogen to produce helium)
Energy in Earth-Atmosphere System
Geothermal energy comes from the interior of the earth and produced by radioactive minerals decay
Energy from these sources: supports life on earth and drives all atmospheric and weather processes
The Electromagnetic Radiation
Radiant energy from the sun is transmitted through space in the form of
electromagnetic waves
No loss of energy as the waves travel through space
Though its intensity continuously drops with increasing distance from the sun because …….
The Electromagnetic Radiation
Because electromagnetic waves spread out as they travel further away from the sun, thereby losing its intensity
Electromagnetic Waves
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Electromagnetic waves are classified according to wavelengths and the electromagnetic spectrum contains various wavelengths
Important groups of wavelengths are:
ultraviolet waves (0.01 – 0.4µm) Visible Light infrared waves (0.40 – 0.7 µm ) (0.70 - 1000 µm)
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
According to Wien's displacement law, the wave length of maximum emission is inversely proportional to the absolute temperature of the radiating body
Hence, the sun with a surface temperature of over 6000ºC (11,000ºF), propagates energy mainly in short waves (i.e., <4.0µm) * (a micron is one-millionth of a meter)
Short Wavelengths of Solar Radiation
The Electromagnetic Radiation
In general, solar radiation comes mainly as: shortwave radiation visible light
The Electromagnetic Radiation
The total amount of energy produced by the sun may vary slightly due to: changing distances of the sun from earth during the course of a year 11 years sunspot cycles
The Electromagnetic Radiation
however, the amount of solar energy in vertical sun's rays striking a unit area (cm 2 ) of the outer surface of the earth's atmosphere is fairly constant and called the solar constant
solar constant is 2gm calories per square centimeter per minute or (2gm/cm 2 /min) or (2 langleys/minute)
The Electromagnetic Radiation
Note: 1gm cal/cm 2 (1gm/cm 2 = 1 Langley or = 1ly)
a gram calorie is the quantity of heat energy required to raise by 1 o C of temperature of 1 gm of pure water
Solar Radiation: Insolation
Insolation is the amount of solar energy intercepted by the earth's surface
The actual amount received at the earth surface varies because of:
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variations in the angle of incidence of the sun's rays length of daylight and insolation losses in the atmosphere
Solar Radiation: Insolation
Solar energy amount and the angle of incidence of the sun's rays: -
vertical sun's rays striking at 90 o produce more intense solar radiation because:
Energy is concentrated over small area
Lower loss of energy in rays traveling short distance through the atmosphere
Angle of Incidence of Sun’s Rays
Solar Radiation: Insolation
oblique sun's rays striking at low angles < 90 o produce less intense solar radiation because of:
the spread of sun's energy over a relatively large area
the longer travel distance of sun's rays through the atmosphere
Atmospheric Obstruction of Sun’s Rays
Solar Radiation: Insolation
the intensity or amount of sun's radiation per unit of surface area is affected by the angle of the sun's rays
Daily Patterns of Insolation
Insolation begins at sunrise & increases progressively to a peak at noon, and thereafter, decreases to zero at sunset
Insolation is highest at noon when the sun (solar altitude) is highest in the sky
Insolation is zero at sunrise or at sunset is when solar altitude lowest in the sky
Daily Cycle of Insolation
Annual and Global Patterns of Insolation
Generally, insolation is highest in summer and lowest in the winter
Intermediate values of insolation are recorded in the fall and spring
The equator has insolation curve with 2 peaks recorded at each of the 2 equinoxes in March and September when solar altitude is highest
Insolation at Different Latitudes in a Year
Annual and Global Patterns of Insolation
Also, the equator has insolation curves with 2 minimums recorded at each of the two solstices in June and December when solar altitude is lowest
Insolation is highest in the tropics because solar altitude is very high and close to vertical all year round
Annual and Global Patterns of Insolation
Places within the tropics have insolation curves with 2 peaks recorded twice a year when the sun is directly overhead in their locations
Places between the Tropic of Cancer and the North Pole or Tropic of Capricorn and the South Pole have insolation curves with a single peak recorded during their summer solstice
Global Insolation
Atmospheric Heating and Cooling Processes
The heating and cooling processes in the Atmosphere include: => Radiation, Absorption => Reflection, Scattering => Transmission, Conduction => Convection, Advection => Adiabatic Cooling & Warming => Latent Heat
Heating & Cooling Processes: Absorption
What is Absorption?
it is the process of an object taking in the radiant energy striking it it cause the temperature of the absorbing object to increase good absorber include: rock, soil and dark-colored objects
Heating & Cooling Processes: Absorption black bodies like the sun and earth are both good radiators & absorbers a total of 22% of solar radiation is absorbed in the atmosphere by clouds, water vapor and dust particles
Heating & Cooling Processes: Reflection
What is Reflection?
It is the ability of surfaces to return electromagnetic waves back to space cloud, snow, and other surfaces with whitish colors are good reflectors a total of 33% of incoming solar radiation is reflected back to space and unavailable to warm up the earth atmosphere system
Insolation Losses in the Atmosphere Reflection Losses (Albedo) Insolation Losses Cloud Reflection Scattering and Diffused Reflection Earth Surface Reflection Percent Loss 21% 4% 8% Absorption Losses Total Reflection Losses Ozone Absorption Atmosphere Absorption Total Absorption Losses 33% 3% 19% 22% TOTAL INSOLATION LOSSES 33% + 22% = 55%
Heating & Cooling Processes: Scattering
What is Scattering?
It is the ability of particulates & gas molecules to deflect and re-direct light waves Shorter waves, especially violet and blue lights, are more susceptible to scattering
Heating & Cooling Processes: Scattering light waves may be scattered back to space or re-directed through the atmosphere as diffused radiation Rayleigh Scattering occurs when the size of the scattering gas molecule less than the wavelength of the incoming radiation and therefore causes violet to blue lights to be scattered to produce the blue sky
Heating & Cooling Processes: Scattering
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Mie Scattering occurs when the radii of the scattering particle is greater than the wavelength of the incoming radiation
Atmospheric Heating and Cooling Processes: Absorption, Reflection & Scattering
the amount of solar energy received per square centimeter per minute at the earth surface is usually less than the solar constant because of energy losses in the atmosphere through: -
reflection scattering absorption
The Fate of Solar Reflection Near or At Earth’s Surface
Insolation Losses in the Atmosphere Reflection Losses (Albedo) Insolation Losses Cloud Reflection Scattering and Diffused Reflection Earth Surface Reflection Percent Loss 21% 4% 8% Absorption Losses Total Reflection Losses Ozone Absorption Atmosphere Absorption Total Absorption Losses 33% 3% 19% 22% TOTAL INSOLATION LOSSES 33% + 22% = 55%
Solar Radiation Losses in the Atmosphere
Heating & Cooling Processes: Conduction
What is Conduction?
it is a molecule to molecule flow of heat energy of a stationary body from its warmer molecules to the cooler molecules this is how ground surface heat is transferred to the lower atmosphere by conduction
Heating & Cooling Processes: Conduction But both earth surface materials and the air are poor heat conductors -
H
ence, the physical movement of air from the earth surface to spread heat energy to the lower atmosphere is predominantly by convection and advection
Heating & Cooling Processes: Conduction
As a result, atmosphere is heated mostly from below rather than from above
Heating & Cooling Processes: Convection
What is Convection?
It involves the vertical transfer of heat by a moving substance or body For example, heated air molecules move vertically away to reach and warm up cooler molecules above Convection causes warm air to rise
Heating & Cooling Processes: Advection when the convecting movement is horizontal, it is called advection
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Heat is advected from warm tropical areas toward the poles when warm winds or warm ocean currents move poleward
Heating & Cooling Processes: Adiabatic Cooling and Warming
Temperature of ascending or descending parcel of air in the atmosphere changes by: Adiabatic cooling Adiabatic warming
Adiabatic cooling involves cooling by expansion of rising air parcel
Heating & Cooling Processes: Adiabatic Cooling and Warming
Adiabatic warming involves warming by compression of descending air parcel
The Heating of the Atmosphere
Solar energy received by the earth
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surface is utilized to warm up the earth atmosphere system through:
Latent heat (50%) Longwave (infrared) energy (38%) Sensible heat (12%)
Longwave Radiation:
38% of solar energy reaching the earth surface is converted into longwave energy
Solar Radiation Redirected to the Atmosphere
The Heating of the Atmosphere
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earth re-radiates longwave energy in wavelengths between 5 & 30 microns or micrometer back to the atmosphere While the atmosphere is transparent to shortwave solar radiation, much of longwave earth radiation is blocked or absorbed in the atmosphere
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The Heating of the Atmosphere
The blockage causes the atmosphere to heat up, a phenomenon called
greenhouse effect Water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone &
methane are greenhouse gases because they allow the passage of shortwave solar energy but absorbs outgoing longwave radiation
The Heating of the Atmosphere
Latent Heat Energy:
50% of solar energy reaching earth surface is converted into latent heat It is energy stored in water and water vapor It is hidden and cannot be felt
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The Heating of the Atmosphere
Water changes to vapor by absorbing heat energy (latent heat of vaporization) from its surrounding and causing a cooling effect Latent heat is carried into the atmosphere by rise air
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Hence, it is important in heat exchange between the earth surface and the atmosphere
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The Heating of the Atmosphere
Latent heat is converted into sensible when vapor changes back to liquid condensation) in upper atmosphere It is a great conveyor belt of heat energy between the earth and the atmosphere driven by convection
The Heating of the Atmosphere
Sensible Heat: 12% of solar energy is converted into sensible heat it is detectable by human sense of touch and measurable with the thermometer it reaches the lower atmosphere from the earth surface through
conduction, convection or advection
The Heating of the Atmosphere
As a result, atmosphere is heated mostly from below rather than from above
Some of the total energy gained by the atmosphere is re-radiated back to the earth surface in the form of COUNTER-
RADIATION
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he Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere System: Radiation Balance
The amount of solar energy received by the earth surface is equal to the amount that the earth surface returns to the atmosphere in the form of longwave radiation, latent heat and sensible heat
The difference between the amount of solar radiation received and outgoing radiation from the earth surface is called
net radiation
Simplified Energy Budget
Detailed Energy Budget
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he Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere System: Radiation Balance
On a global and annual basis, net radiation is zero
Hence the global energy balance is zero
However, there are places where net radiation is well above zero, especially within the tropics or well below zero, especially in the polar regions
Net Radiation: Energy Surplus and Deficit Areas
T
he Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere System: Radiation Balance
In general, there is a significant energy surplus in the region between lat 40 o N and 38 o S
and a significant energy deficit in the polar regions outside the region of surplus
T
he Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere System: Radiation Balance
This general global imbalance in energy distribution is ameliorated by the re distribution of heat by atmospheric and
oceanic circulations
T
he Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere System: Radiation Balance
The air temperature of a place is closely related to its net radiation distribution
On a daily basis, temperature increases progressively during the day as net radiation increases and drops throughout the night as net radiation drops
Daily Cycles of Insolation, Net Radiation & Temperature
Daily Cycle of Insolation
Daily Cycle of Net Radiation
Daily Cycle of Air Temperature
T
he Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere System: Radiation Balance
On an annual basis, temperature is high in summer in most places because of the high net radiation recorded during that season and vice versa during the winter
Generally, the peak of air temperature often lags behind the peak of insolation or net radiation because of the extra time required to warm up the earth atmosphere system
Annual Cycles of Net Radiation in Relation to Air Temperature
Annual Cycles of Net Radiation in Relation to Air Temperature
Air Temperature
Air temperature is measured with a thermometer in degrees Celsius (ºC) or Fahrenheit (ºF)
From Celsius (C) to Fahrenheit (F) use: o F = 9/5C + 32 o
From Fahrenheit (F) to Celsius (C) use: o C = 5/9(F-32 o )
Air Temperature
Mercury-filled thermometers are commonly used to measure temperature
Digital thermometer equipped with thermistor are increasing being used today
There are over 5000 weather stations in the U.S. where air temperature is measured
Air Temperature
Most weather stations report the highest and lowest temperature recorded during a 24-hr period using the maximum minimum thermometers
The thermometers are often housed in a white wooden box shelter called the
Stevenson screen
Stevenson Screen: Thermometer Shelter
Vertical Air Temperature Profile
Temperature varies both horizontally and vertically
Vertical temperature patterns also have direct influence on climatic processes
Under normal conditions, temperature decreases with increasing altitude within the troposphere
Vertical Air Temperature Profile
This is commonly referred to as the normal lapse rate condition
The normal lapse rate is 3.6
o F per 1000 ft (or 6.5
o F per kilometer or 1000 meters)
This rate is not always constant
Normal Topospheric Lapse Rate
Vertical Air Temperature Profile
In the lower part of the troposphere, temperature may increase upward for a limited distance according to: season time of day amount of cloud cover
Such reversal of the normal lapse-rate condition is called temperature inversion
Temperature Inversion in Lower Atmosphere
Vertical Air Temperature Profile: Temperature Inversion
It’s a
condition where temperature increases with increasing altitude in the troposphere
It’s duration is usually short and restricted in depth
Occurs near the Earth’s surface as well as in the upper levels
Vertical Air Temperature Profile: Temperature Inversion
Climatic Effects of Temperature Inversion:
inhibition of vertical air movements and a general stagnation of the air inhibition of precipitation formation process increased air pollution (no upward dispersal of pollutants)
Vertical Air Temperature Profile: Temperature Inversion
There are two broad types of inversion:
surface and upper air inversions
Surface air inversion consists of three
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types based on how they are formed:
Radiational Inversions Advectional Inversion Cold Air Drainage Inversion:
Vertical Air Temperature Profile: Temperature Inversion
Radiational Inversion:
occurs at night when the sky is blue & calm, especially during the cold winter seasons
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and surface cools rapidly due to rapid long-wave radiation loss causes ground surface to be colder than the air above
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Vertical Air Temperature Profile: Temperature Inversion
Cold ground surface cools the air above by conduction Hence, the lowest few hundred feet of the troposphere become colder than the air above common in temperate latitudes
Vertical Air Temperature Profile: Temperature Inversion
Advectional Inversions:
caused by the horizontal inflow of cold air into an area common in coastal areas with on shore cool maritime air flow inversion is shallow and short in duration & may occur anytime of the year
Vertical Air Temperature Profile: Temperature Inversion
Cold Air-Drainage Inversions:
caused by cooler air sliding down the hill slope into the valley descending air displaces the warmer air to cause an inversion common in winter
Vertical Air Temperature Profile: Temperature Inversion
Upper Air Inversion: occurs in the upper levels with a base of a few thousand feet above ground common in winter in areas with high pressure conditions like the sub tropical high pressure belt caused by air sinking from above
Temperature Inversion in Upper Atmosphere
Daily Cycle of Air Temperature
Daily cycle of temperature is controlled by the daily cycle of net radiation
Daily minimum air temperature occurs just before sunrise
it attains a maximum at between 2 and 4 P.M. and drops throughout the night
Daily Cycles of Insolation, Net Radiation & Temperature
Daily Cycle of Air Temperature
Insolation begins at sunrise, attains a maximum at noon and ends at sunset
Similarly, net radiation is positive shortly after sunrise, attains a maximum at noon and reaches zero at sunset
When net radiation is positive, surface gains heat and loses heat when negative
Annual Cycle of Air Temperature
The annual cycle of net radiation drives the annual cycle of air temperature
Temperatures in equatorial regions change very little throughout the year
Temperature is uniformly high (81 o F) with a small rise in temperature shortly after the equinoxes
Annual Cycles of Net Radiation in Relation to Air Temperature
Annual Cycle of Air Temperature
Within the tropics, net radiation surplus is large all year
Peak temperature occurs during or shortly after the summer solstice and lowest in winter solstice in the tropics
In the mid-latitudes, surplus net radiation occurs 9 months with deficit in winter
Annual Cycle of Air Temperature
Air temperature shows similar patterns with high temperature range of >30 o F in the mid-latitudes
In the poles, we have: 6 months deficit net radiation 6 months surplus, hence: an extremely low winter temperature of about -50 o F and a summer peak of about 55 o F
Annual Cycle of Air Temperature
and an extremely large temperature range of of up to (110 o F)
In general, monthly temperature maximums and minimums occur later at coastal stations than at interior stations
Hence, the hottest month of the year for interior regions is July but in August at coastal locations (N.H.)
Annual Cycle of Air Temperature
The coldest month for large interior land areas is in January but in February at coastal locations (N.H.)
The reason for the timing difference is the fact that oceans heat and cool more slowly than continents
Global Patterns of Air Temperature
Air temperatures decrease from the equator to the poles and confirmed by the east-west trends in isotherms from the equator to the mid-latitudes, and the circular isotherms in the polar regions
Large landmasses located in the subarctic and arctic zones develop centers of extremely low temperature
Average July Temperature Pattern
Average July Sea-Level Temperatures
January Temperature Pattern
Average January Sea-Level Temperatures
Global Patterns of Air Temperature
Centers of low winter temperatures: North America (northern Canada, -35 o C or –32 o F) Interior Asia (Siberia, -50 o C or -58 o F) Antarctica and Greenland
Temperatures in equatorial regions change little throughout the year
Global Patterns of Air Temperature
Isotherms make a large north-south shift from winter to summer over continents in the mid-latitude and subarctic zones
Highlands are always colder than surrounding lowlands
Areas of perpetual ice and snow are always intensely cold
Global Patterns of Air Temperature
Global pattern of annual temperature range: Annual range increases with latitude, especially over northern hemisphere continents The greatest ranges occur in the subarctic and arctic zones of Asia and North America
Average Annual Temperature Range
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Global Patterns of Air Temperature
The annual range is moderately large on land areas in the tropical zone, near the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn The annual range over oceans is less than that over land at the same latitude The annual range is very small over oceans in the tropical zone
Global Patterns of Air Temperature
Global air temperature patterns are controlled primarily by: Latitude Maritime Effects Continentality Effects Elevation
Review Questions for Topic 4
1) In the first 11 miles above Earth’s surface, air temperature generally ___________ with increasing elevation.
A. increases B. decreases C. stabilizes D. reaches equilibrium E. rises
1) In the first 11 miles above Earth’s surface, air temperature generally ___________ with increasing elevation.
A. increases
B. decreases
C. stabilizes D. reaches equilibrium E. rises Figure 4-27a
Explanation:
The observed vertical change in temperature in the troposphere is decreasing with height.
2) The west wind drift forms as a result of A. decreased Coriolis near the equator.
B. global warming.
C. the Arctic Ocean.
D. fewer landmasses near the poles of the Northern Hemisphere.
E. fewer landmasses near the poles of the Southern Hemisphere.
Figure 4-25
2) The west wind drift forms as a result of A. decreased Coriolis near the equator.
B. global warming.
C. the Arctic Ocean.
D. fewer landmasses near the poles of the Northern Hemisphere.
Figure 4-25
E. fewer landmasses near the poles of the Southern Hemisphere.
Explanation:
In the Southern Hemisphere, fewer landmasses allow for a constant westward flow of ocean water near the South Pole, called the west wind drift.
3) Even though no heat is taken in from an external source, adiabatic warming involves warming by compression in __________ air.
A. sinking B. rising C. immobile D. ascending E. confused
3) Even though no heat is taken in from an external source, adiabatic warming involves warming by compression in __________ air.
A. sinking
B. rising C. immobile D. ascending E. confused
Explanation:
When air sinks, the air molecules become closer together, and their collisions increase. As the collisions increase, kinetic energy and temperature increase.
4) ________ heat is required when water is converted into ice.
A. Latent heat of freezing B. Sensible heat of freezing C. Latent heat of melting D. Latent heat of condensation E. Latent heat of vaporization
4) ________ heat is required when water is converted into ice.
A. Latent heat of freezing
B. Sensible heat of freezing C. Latent heat of melting D. Latent heat of condensation E. Latent heat of vaporization
Explanation:
When water is converted to ice, the process of freezing takes place. Extra heat release is required to freeze liquid water, called latent heat of freezing.
5) Incoming solar energy is redirected by particulate matter and gas molecules in the atmosphere, therefore lost to Earth through what process?
A. Tropospheric repulsion B. Terrestrial emission C. Reflection D. Absorption E. Scattering
5) Incoming solar energy is redirected by particulate matter and gas molecules in the atmosphere, therefore lost to Earth through what process?
A. Tropospheric repulsion B. Terrestrial emission C. Reflection D. Absorption
E. Scattering Explanation:
As radiation collides with particulate matter, it is evenly scattered in All directions away from the particle. Some of this scattered radiation is lost to space.
6) The main source of energy for Earth’s atmosphere is heat A. radiated by millions of other stars besides the sun.
B. from solar insolation (Sun).
C. generated by gigantic tidal waves.
D. released as radioactive minerals decay at great depth.
E. released on the ocean floor through hydrothermal vents.
6) The main source of energy for Earth’s atmosphere is heat A. radiated by millions of other stars besides the sun.
B. from solar insolation (Sun).
C. generated by gigantic tidal waves.
D. released as radioactive minerals decay at great depth.
E. released on the ocean floor through hydrothermal vents.
Explanation:
Incoming solar radiation accounts for a vast majority of all energy that Earth’s atmosphere acquires.
Figure 4-17
7) The world’s largest annual temperature range typically occurs in the interior of what latitudes?
A. Low B. High C. Middle D. Eastern E. Southern Figure 4-32
7) The world’s largest annual temperature range typically occurs in the interior of what latitudes?
A. Low
B. High
C. Middle D. Eastern E. Southern
Explanation:
Interior high latitudes have the greatest variation in solar angle, and are not subject to the temperature constraints of a maritime climate. Thus, these are the regions of greatest annual temperature variation.
8) Which of these geographic regions would be characterized by a high albedo?
A. The rain forests B. The oceans C. The Arctic D. The plains E. The Great Lakes Figure 4-G
8) Which of these geographic regions would be characterized by a high albedo?
A. The rain forests B. The oceans
C. The Arctic
D. The plains E. The Great Lakes
Explanation:
Ice cover in the Arctic is white, which is a highly reflective surface. As a result, the albedo in the polar regions in both hemispheres is typically very high.
9) Which of the following could NOT be a cause for land warming faster than water?
A. Water has lower sensible heat B. Water has higher sensible heat C. Water has more evaporative cooling D. Water is in constant motion E. Water has limited transmission Figure 4-23
9) Which of the following could NOT be a cause for land warming faster than water?
A. Water has lower sensible heat
B. Water has higher sensible heat C. Water has more evaporative cooling D. Water is in constant motion E. Water has limited transmission
Explanation:
The higher sensible heat value for water allows it to absorb more heat before its temperature rises. If water had a lower sensible heat than land, its temperature would rise more quickly than land’s temperature!
10) Which phrase best describes global warming?
A. Global carbon dioxide levels are sinking B. Global temperatures are cooling C. Ocean temperatures are warming D. Earth’s core is warming E. The greenhouse effect is increasing Figure 4-35
10) Which phrase best describes global warming?
A. Global carbon dioxide levels are sinking B. Global temperatures are cooling C. Ocean temperatures are warming D. Earth’s core is warming Figure 4-35
E. The greenhouse effect is increasing Explanation:
Increased carbon dioxide is contributing to an enhanced greenhouse effect, which in turn is increasing global temperatures. This process is called global warming.
Review Questions for Topic 3
1) The main surface currents in the major ocean basins assist in the heat transfer around the world by moving A. warm water from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere.
B. cool water from the poles to the tropics.
C. warm water from the poles to the tropics.
D. cool water from the tropics to the poles.
E. warm water from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere.
Figure 3-18
1) The main surface currents in the major ocean basins assist in the heat transfer around the world by moving A. warm water from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere.
B. cool water from the poles to the tropics.
C. warm water from the poles to the tropics.
D. cool water from the tropics to the poles.
Figure 3-18 E. warm water from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere.
Explanation:
Northerly ocean currents from the poles to the tropics transport cooler water from higher latitudes to lower latitudes.
2) An example of climate (versus weather) for a given area is A. the air temperature reached 78°F today.
B. rain showers are predicted for next Saturday.
C. the record high temperature is 122°F.
D. the average rainfall in April is 15 inches. E. thunderstorms occurred last Mother’s day.
2) An example of climate (versus weather) for a given area is A. the air temperature reached 78°F today.
B. rain showers are predicted for next Saturday.
C. the record high temperature is 122°F.
D. the average rainfall in April is 15 inches.
E. thunderstorms occurred last Mother’s day.
Explanation:
Climate describes weather conditions over a long period. So, an average weather condition over a span of many months would be a climate condition
3) Temperature decreases with increasing elevation in which thermal atmospheric layers?
A. Troposphere and stratosphere B. Thermosphere and mesosphere C. Troposphere and mesosphere D. Troposphere only E. Stratosphere and thermosphere
3) Temperature decreases with increasing elevation in which thermal atmospheric layers?
A. Troposphere and stratosphere B. Thermosphere and mesosphere
C. Troposphere and mesosphere
D. Troposphere only E. Stratosphere and thermosphere
Explanation:
In Figure 3-5, we see that temperature values decrease as you ascend in the image. Through the remaining layers, temperature increases with height.
4) _______ is the most plentiful variable gas in the atmosphere. However, it varies in location, not in time. A. Nitrogen B. Ozone C. Carbon dioxide D. Oxygen E. Water vapor
4) _______ is the most plentiful variable gas in the atmosphere. However, it varies in location, not in time. A. Nitrogen B. Ozone C. Carbon dioxide D. Oxygen
E. Water vapor Explanation:
Water vapor in the atmosphere is highly variable, falling out as precipitation and being replenished by water sources. Its composition can vary from 0-4% of the total atmosphere.
5) Oxygen accounts for what proportion of the of the volume of gases in the atmosphere? A. 21% B. 78% C. 0.037% D. 1-4% E. 0.9% Figure 3-1
5) Oxygen accounts for what proportion of the of the volume of gases in the atmosphere?
A. 21%
B. 78% C. 0.037% D. 1-4% E. 0.9%
Explanation:
While oxygen is the most important element for life, it makes up a relatively small percentage of the atmosphere when compared to nitrogen.
6) If a wind of 55 mph were subjected to a Coriolis force that is double what exists on Earth, what would its new speed be?
A. 110 mph B. 27.5 mph C. 45 mph D. 0 mph E. 55 mph Figure 3-22
6) If a wind of 55 mph were subjected to a Coriolis force that is double what exists on Earth, what would its new speed be?
A. 110 mph B. 27.5 mph C. 45 mph D. 0 mph
E. 55 mph Explanation:
The Coriolis force affects the direction of motion, but not the speed. Doubling the Coriolis force will not affect the speed of the wind.
7) The aurora borealis typically occurs in A. the homosphere.
B. the troposphere.
C. the ionosphere.
D. the stratosphere.
E. the mesosphere.
Figure 3-10
7) The aurora borealis typically occurs in A. the homosphere.
B. the troposphere.
C. the ionosphere.
D. the stratosphere.
E. the mesosphere.
Figure 3-10
Explanation:
In the ionosphere, charged particles interacting with ultraviolet solar Radiation cause these particles to glow, forming the aurora phenomena.
8) Which of the following is an example of a secondary pollutant?
A. Carbon monoxide B. Carbon dioxide C. Particulates D. Smog E. CFCs
8) Which of the following is an example of a secondary pollutant?
A. Carbon monoxide B. Carbon dioxide C. Particulates
D. Smog
E. CFCs
Explanation:
Secondary pollutants form as a result of a process from a primary pollutant. Smog forms when smoke mixes with fog, so it is a secondary pollutant.
9) Ozone is depleted by CFCs. What is the primary atom in the CFC molecule that is responsible for ozone depletion?
A. Oxygen B. Fluoride C. Fluorine D. Chloride E. Chlorine
9) Ozone is depleted by CFCs. What is the primary atom in the CFC molecule that is responsible for ozone depletion?
A. Oxygen B. Fluoride C. Fluorine D. Cchloride
E. Chlorine Explanation:
The chlorine atom in a CFC molecule attracts oxygen atoms from ozone, causing the ozone molecule to break into a regular oxygen molecule, resulting in ozone depletion.
10) Los Angeles, California and Dallas, Texas have vastly different climates, despite existing at the same latitude. What causes the climate difference?
A. Proximity to a desert B. Sun is more directly overhead in Dallas C. Los Angeles is near mountains D. Dallas is in the Plains E. Dallas is continental; Los Angeles is maritime.
10) Los Angeles, California and Dallas, Texas have vastly different climates, despite existing at the same latitude. What causes the climate difference?
A. Proximity to a desert B. Sun is more directly overhead in Dallas C. Los Angeles is near mountains D. Dallas is in the Plains
E. Dallas is continental; Los Angeles is maritime.
Explanation:
LA’s proximity to water allows for a less variable climate in terms of temperature. In general, maritime regions have a less volatile climate than continental regions.