GEOG 1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Tropopause, Thermodynamics, Lapse Rate
Document Summary
Thermodynamics: energy can be transformed but not destroyed, system tends toward equilibrium, that is, a random distribution of energy - entropy, heat can never pass spontaneously from colder to a hotter body, energy moves down the energy gradient. Energy moves from the equator towards the poles. Horizontal transfers of sensible heat are via warm air masses and ocean currents (materials that can move) Transfer of latent heat is in the form of atmospheric pressure. Heating and cooling of the atmosphere will cause changes in: humidity, air stability, condensation and evaporation, pressure, cloud formation, storms (energy release mechanism) It is the rate of temperature change with altitude in the troposphere (6. 4 c /1000m). The tropopause is a transition zone between the troposphere and stratosphere and marks the boundary at which temperature ceases to fall with altitude. The earth absorbs and reradiates heat therefore temperatures at the surface are higher and lower as elevation increases.
