GEOG 102 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Intertropical Convergence Zone, Polar Front, Tropopause
Document Summary
Sensible heat flux: process where heat energy is transferred from the earth"s surface to the atmosphere by conduction and convection. The heat energy then can move horizontally by atmospheric circulation. Conduction: the process by which heat or electricity is directly transmitted through a substance when there is a difference of temperature or of electrical potential between adjoining regions, without movement of the material. Latent heat: the heat required to convert a solid into a liquid or vapor, or a liquid into a vapor, without change of temperature. Where water is available: energy is first latent sensible. Radiatively, the earth atmosphere system is not in balance. Convection and conduction of latent and sensible heat keeps it in balance. Deficit = winter for us (n. hemisphere) Surplus = summer for us (n. hemisphere) These are horizontal imbalances that has to be corrected. Rotation of the earth influences the direction of air circulation.
