The Atmospher
De nition
Weather: The condition of the atmosphere at any one time (ie over a day or a
few days)
Climate: A summary of the condition of the atmosphere (ie the average
weather) over a period of at least 20 years
Atmosphere: The gaseous layer which envelopes the earth and is essential
for the maintenance of life on earth
Importanc
• Meteors burn up in the atmosphere
• Protects us from harmful UV rays
• Traps heat in life a blanket
• Essential gases for life
- Respiration - O
- Photosynthesis - CO2
- H2O vapou
• Wind regulates the temperature
Compositio
Permanent
- these occur in a constant ratio
- namely Nitrogen (78%), Oxygen (21%) and trace gases e.g. Argon (1%)
Variabl
- These vary with time and place
- Atmospheric gases: water vapour and carbon dioxid
- Gases from pollution: methane and sulphur dioxid
We also find microscopic SOLID particles in the atmosphere called
Hydroscopic Particles/ Condensation Nuclei
EG. Dust, Ash, Soot, Salt crystal
What often causes an increase in the number of these particles? Industrial
activit
Therefore where would we expect to find more of these particles? Urban
areas
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De nition
Weather: The condition of the atmosphere at any one time (ie over a day or a
few days)
Climate: A summary of the condition of the atmosphere (ie the average
weather) over a period of at least 20 years
Atmosphere: The gaseous layer which envelopes the earth and is essential
for the maintenance of life on earth
Importanc
• Meteors burn up in the atmosphere
• Protects us from harmful UV rays
• Traps heat in life a blanket
• Essential gases for life
- Respiration - O
- Photosynthesis - CO2
- H2O vapou
• Wind regulates the temperature
Compositio
Permanent
- these occur in a constant ratio
- namely Nitrogen (78%), Oxygen (21%) and trace gases e.g. Argon (1%)
Variabl
- These vary with time and place
- Atmospheric gases: water vapour and carbon dioxid
- Gases from pollution: methane and sulphur dioxid
We also find microscopic SOLID particles in the atmosphere called
Hydroscopic Particles/ Condensation Nuclei
EG. Dust, Ash, Soot, Salt crystal
What often causes an increase in the number of these particles? Industrial
activit
Therefore where would we expect to find more of these particles? Urban
areas
fi .
y
e
s
.
e
r
n
e
:
.
.
.
.
s
.
.
.
.
.
e
e
.
