Thermal Energy transfer Through the Atmosphere

• Thermal energy is the energy contained within an object due to the movement of particles within that object

  • more thermal energy = high temperature
• Thermal energy transfer is the movement of thermal energy from an area of higher temperature to an area t=of lower temperature

  • conduction
  • convection
  • radiation
• Radiation: the emission of energy as particles or waves reflected or absorbed by particles of matter

  • is radiation is absorbed, the kinetic energy of the particles will increase = increase in temperature
• Conduction: direct contact between particles of a substance without moving to a new location
• Convection: transfer of thermal energy through the movement of particles from one location to another

  • more kinetic energy = more space & less dense = rising
  • when particles cool, they will condense and fall, thus creation convection currents
• thermal energy is mainly transferred through convection currents due to the unequal heating and cooling of the Earth.
• gases near the equator gain energy and expand making the air become less dense and rise.
• the cooling atmospheric gases near the poles lose energy and contract making it more dense and falls
• Atmospheric pressure: pressure extended by the massof ain above anny point on Earth's surface.
• Warmer regions of the atmosphere exert less atmospheric pressure than cooler regions.
• Wind: movement of cool air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.
• Coriolis Effect: deflection of any object from a straight-line path due to the rotation of the Earth

  • causes air to turn right in the Northern Hemisphere and left in the Southern Hemisphere
• Global wind patterns: transfer of thermal energy from areas of net radiation budget surplus to areas of net radiation budget deficit