Variable components of the atmosphere
Download as PPTX, PDF2 likes10,666 views
The document discusses three variable components of air: water vapor, aerosols, and ozone. Water vapor varies between 1-4% and is the source of clouds, precipitation, and latent heat. Aerosols are microscopic particles from natural and human sources that provide surfaces for water vapor to condense on, influencing cloud formation. Ozone is a form of oxygen with three atoms that absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation in the stratosphere between 10-50 km above the surface.
Variable components of the atmosphere
- 2. The air in our atmosphere has some variable components to it as well. This includes water vapor, dust particles, and ozone. They are present in small percentages but they can have significant effects in weather and climate. (Tarbuck et al, 2001). The composition of air is not constant. It can vary from time to time and place to place.
- 3. Water Vapor The amount of water in the atmosphere varies between 1 and 4%. Why is such a small amount such a big deal? Water vapor is the source of all clouds and precipitation, and often that is the most common reason people think of for water. But water does other things too. It has the ability, like carbon dioxide, to absorb heat energy given off by the Earth. It can also absorb solar energy. When water changes from one state to another it absorbs or releases heat. This heat is often called latent (hidden) heat. This is the energy source that helps drive a lot of storms.
- 5. Aerosols Microscopic particles which are suspended in the air which comes from natural and human made and include sea salts from breaking waves, fine soil blown into the air, smoke and soot from fires, pollen and microorganisms, and ash and dust from volcanic eruptions. Aerosols are important because they as surfaces on which water vapor can condense, an important function in the formation of clouds and fog. Aerosols can absorb or reflect incoming solar radiation. When an air pollution episode is occurring or when ash fills the sky after volcanic eruption, the amount of sunlight reaching the earth’s surface can be reduced. Lastly, aerosols contribute to an optical phenomenon- the varied hues of red and orange at sunrise and sunset.
- 7. • Ozone or (O3) Ozone is a form of oxygen that combines three oxygen atoms into one molecule. In the lowest portion of the atmosphere ozone represents less than one part in 100 million. It is concentrated well above the surface in the stratosphere between 10 to 50 kilometers. Ozone absorbs the harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
- 8. Presented by: Jhunisa Ann P. Agustin BSED 4E