GEOG 155 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Keeling Curve, Atmospheric Circulation, Thermosphere
Document Summary
Contents of the atmosphere: constant gases- found in the homosphere, 99% are nitrogen and oxygen, little seasonal and yearly variation in quantities, variable gases- predominantly in the heterosphere; quantities more variable. Carbon dioxide- huge influence on climate (greenhouse effect), ability to absorb and emit longwave ratiadtion. Water vapor- powerful greenhouse gas as well, carries huge amounts of latent energy from place to place; condensation and evaporation, major phase changes. Ozone- highest amounts occur in the ozone layer, within the stratosphere: aerosols are mostly fine solid and liquid floating particles. Can also be ash from forest fires. Dust bowl is a good example: keeling curve (carbon dioxide hockey stick) Atmospheric co2 in the last 2000 years. Values from before 1960 came from air trapped in glacial ice. The more recent record is based on air samples taken at a mountain observatory in hawaii: oxygen. Three forms of oxygen in the atmosphere. All 3 are vital for life on earth: ozone facts.
