Atmosphere

Question 1

Definition of Albedo:

Answer 1

reflected back

Question 2

Total albedo affect:

Answer 2

anything being reflected

Question 3

Why is the earth’s atmosphere put into motion?

Answer 3

because of the differential heating of the Earth’s surface by solar insolation

Question 4

The global heat budget

Answer 4

• the earth gets heated by solar energy from the sun.
• when this energy is travelling towards the earth it is at 100% and this is short wave radiatio.
• once this energy enters the atmosphere, 23% is absorbed by the atmosphere (4% clouds, 19% water vapour, gases and dust)
• 17% is reflected back by the clouds
• 8% is reflected by atmosphere gases and dust
• this leaving 52% of solar energy to reach the earth.
• As this energy reaches the surface, 6% is reflected by the earth’s surface, leaving 46% to be absorbed by the surface’s land and water.

Question 5

Coriolis effect in the northern hemisphere:

Answer 5

deflects movement to the right

Question 6

Coriolis effect in the southern hemisphere:

Answer 6

deflects movement to the left

Question 7

How are wind belts formed?

Answer 7

by the combination of atmospheric cells and Coriolis effect

Question 8

Wind belts:

Answer 8

drives surface ocean circulation