OTHER TOPICS -----> Intro/Maps Atmosphere Climate / Hydrosphere
Biosphere / Soils Tectonics Specific Environments

ATMOSPHERE CHAPTERS -----> Atmosphere Temp/Energy Pressure/Wind Moisture Storms

The Atmosphere

I. COMPOSITION

A. Gases

  1. nitrogen (N) = 78%
  2. oxygen (O2) = 20%
  3. trace gases (pie chart)
    • H2O, CO2, CH4
    • ozone (O3) ....and many more
B. Particles
  1. dust: anthropogenic vs. natural
  2. smoke -- wildfires
  3. pollen
  4. exhaust
  5. volcanic eruptions / current eruptions
II. ATMOSPHERIC CHARACTERISTICS

A. Air Pressure -- barometer: constant change

B. Compressibility of air

III. VERTICLE STRUCTURE

complete diagram

A. By Gaseous Composition

  1. homosphere
  2. heterosphere
B. By Electrical Characteristics -- Ionosphere C. By Temperature Profile
  1. troposphere
  2. stratosphere -- "temperature inversion" & ozone
  3. mesosphere
  4. thermosphere
  5. another way of seeing it
IV. CLIMATE CONTROLS

A. Latitude (U.S.)
B. Altitude
C. Land / Water Relationship (continentality)
D. Oceanic Circulation (ocean currents)
E. Atmospheric Circulation (wind)
F. Topographic Barriers (*Hawaii) (Arizona)

 

ATMOSPHERE CHAPTERS -----> Atmosphere Temp/Energy Pressure/Wind Moisture Storms