The document discusses the structure and composition of Earth's atmosphere. It describes the layers of the atmosphere from lowest to highest: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere. It also discusses how solar radiation interacts with the atmosphere and Earth's surface. Additionally, it covers various atmospheric measurements like temperature, dew point, wind, and humidity. Finally, it defines different types of clouds and precipitation.

1. Atmosphere Chapter 11

2. Structure of Atmosphere Troposphere- closest to earth; contains most of mass of atmosphere; general decrease in temp (bottom  top) Stratosphere- Second Layer Contains Ozone Layer  absorbs ultraviolet radiation  heated layer Mesosphere (middle)- temperature decreases Thermosphere- few air molecules  temp rises to 1000 °C Exosphere- Outer Layer; only H & He found here; no boundary between it and space

5. Solar Radiation p275 6% Reflected by atmosphere 25% Reflected by clouds 4% Reflected by Earth’s surface 15% Absorbed by atmosphere 50% Absorbed by Earth’s surface

6. Measuring the Atmosphere Temperature- how fast molecules move around Heat- transfer of energy Dew Point- temp to which air must be cooled to be saturated (hold as much water as possible  condensation) Air masses cool 10 °C for every 1000m in altitude Clouds form when water reaches dew point

7. Measurement– Cont’d Wind- Cool air (more dense) sinks & forces warm (less dense) air upward Air moves b/c earth is heated unevenly creating imbalances  High and Low pressure Humidity- amount of water vapor in the air Relative humidity (%)= (amt of water vapor)/(amt capable of holding)

8. Clouds Condensation Nuclei- small dirt particles in atmosphere that allow water to condense Orographic lifting- at mountain air is forced up- causing water vapor to travel up (colder air) and reach its dew point  condensing Collision of air masses- causes uplift of warm air and therefore condensation

9. Types Height Cirro- above 6000m Alto- 2000-6000m Strato- below 2000m Shape Cirrus-”hair” wispy, stringy Cumulus- “pile or heap” puffy, lumpy clouds Stratus- “layer” sheets of clouds Nimbus “cloud” low gray rain clouds

15. Special Clouds Vertical Development- if cloud is warmer than surrounding air/ground, cloud will grow upwards  thunderstorm Cumulonimbus Cloud

17. Precipitation Water droplets collide & join into larger droplets (coalescence)  too heavy to carry Sleet (ice pellets) form when droplets are carried back up into the cloud, freezing it Hail- layers and layer of sleet built up