Topic 4: Insolation & Temperature
 Energy
in Earth-Atmosphere System:
- Solar Energy
- Geothermal Energy
 Solar
Radiation:
- Electromagnetic Radiation or Radiant
Energy
- Insolation
- Insolation Patterns
Topic 4: Insolation & Temperature
- Insolation Patterns
=> Daily Insolation patterns
=> Annual Insolation Patterns
=> Global Insolation Patterns
 The
Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere
System
- Heating and Cooling Processes in the
Atmosphere
Topic 4: Insolation & Temperature
 The
Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere
System
- Heating and Cooling Processes:
=> Radiation, Absorption
=> Reflection, Scattering
=> Transmission, Conduction
=> Convection, Advection
=> Adiabatic Cooling & Warming
=> Latent Heat
Topic 4: Insolation & Temperature

The Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere
System
- Atmospheric Energy Budget
- Latitudinal Radiation Balance
- Land and Water Contrasts
 Mechanisms of Heat Transfer:
- Atmospheric Circulation
- Oceanic Circulation
Topic 4: Insolation & Temperature
 Air
Temperature Patterns:
- Vertical Air Temperature Patterns:
=> Lapse Rates
=> Temperature Inversions
- Daily & Annual Cycles of Air
Temperatures
- Global Pattern of Air Temperature
 Factors in the Variation of Air
Temperature
Energy in Earth-Atmosphere System
 What
is energy?
 Energy is what causes changes in the
state or condition of matter:
- what causes matter to move?
- what causes matter to change
direction?
- what causes water to change from
liquid to vapor?
.
Energy in Earth-Atmosphere System

The ANSWER to those questions is ENERGY

Many types of energy:
- Kinetic Energy
- Chemical Energy
- Radiant Energy

Energy cannot be created nor destroyed but
can change from one form to another
Energy in Earth-Atmosphere System
 Two
major sources of energy in the
earth-atmosphere system:
- Solar Energy (99.97%)
- Geothermal Energy (0.03%)
 Solar
energy is produced in the sun by
thermonuclear reactions (i.e., nuclear
fusion of hydrogen to produce helium)
Energy in Earth-Atmosphere System
 Geothermal
energy comes from the
interior of the earth and produced by
radioactive minerals decay
 Energy
from these sources:
- supports life on earth and
- drives all atmospheric and weather
processes
The Electromagnetic Radiation
 Radiant
energy from the sun is
transmitted through space in the form of
electromagnetic waves
 No
loss of energy as the waves travel
through space
 Though
its intensity continuously drops
with increasing distance from the sun
because …….
The Electromagnetic Radiation
 Because
electromagnetic waves spread
out as they travel further away from the
sun, thereby losing its intensity
Electromagnetic Waves
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
 Electromagnetic
waves are classified
according to wavelengths and the
electromagnetic spectrum contains
various wavelengths
 Important
groups of wavelengths are:
- ultraviolet waves (0.01 – 0.4µm)
- Visible Light
(0.40 – 0.7 µm )
- infrared waves
(0.70 - 1000 µm)
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
 According
to Wien's displacement law,
the wave length of maximum emission is
inversely proportional to the absolute
temperature of the radiating body
 Hence,
the sun with a surface
temperature of over 6000ºC (11,000ºF),
propagates energy mainly in short waves
(i.e., <4.0µm)
* (a micron is one-millionth of a meter)
Short Wavelengths of Solar Radiation
The Electromagnetic Radiation
 In
general, solar radiation comes mainly
as:
- shortwave radiation
- visible light
The Electromagnetic Radiation
 The
total amount of energy produced
by the sun may vary slightly due to:
- changing distances of the sun from
earth during the course of a year
- 11 years sunspot cycles
The Electromagnetic Radiation
 however,
the amount of solar energy in
vertical sun's rays striking a unit area
(cm2) of the outer surface of the earth's
atmosphere is fairly constant and called
the solar constant
 solar
constant is 2gm calories per
square centimeter per minute or
(2gm/cm2/min) or (2 langleys/minute)
The Electromagnetic Radiation
 Note:
a
1gm cal/cm2 = 1 Langley or
(1gm/cm2 = 1ly)
gram calorie is the quantity of heat
energy required to raise by 1oC of
temperature of 1 gm of pure water
Solar Radiation: Insolation
 Insolation
is the amount of solar energy
intercepted by the earth's surface
 The
actual amount received at the earth
surface varies because of:
-
variations in the angle of incidence of
the sun's rays
- length of daylight and
- insolation losses in the atmosphere
Solar Radiation: Insolation
Solar energy amount and the angle of
incidence of the sun's rays:
- vertical sun's rays striking at 90o
produce more intense solar radiation
because:
 Energy is concentrated over small area
 Lower loss of energy in rays traveling
short distance through the atmosphere
Angle of Incidence of Sun’s Rays
Solar Radiation: Insolation
- oblique sun's rays striking at low
angles < 90o produce less intense
solar radiation because of:
 the spread of sun's energy over a
relatively large area

the longer travel distance of sun's
rays through the atmosphere
Atmospheric Obstruction of Sun’s Rays
Solar Radiation: Insolation
- the intensity or amount of sun's
radiation per unit of surface area
is affected by the angle of the sun's
rays
Daily Patterns of Insolation
 Insolation
begins at sunrise & increases
progressively to a peak at noon, and
thereafter, decreases to zero at sunset
 Insolation
is highest at noon when the
sun (solar altitude) is highest in the sky
 Insolation
is zero at sunrise or at sunset
is when solar altitude lowest in the sky
Daily Cycle of Insolation
Annual and Global Patterns of
Insolation
 Generally,
insolation is highest in summer
and lowest in the winter
 Intermediate
values of insolation are
recorded in the fall and spring
 The
equator has insolation curve with 2
peaks recorded at each of the 2 equinoxes
in March and September when solar
altitude is highest
Insolation at Different Latitudes in a Year
Annual and Global Patterns of
Insolation
 Also,
the equator has insolation curves
with 2 minimums recorded at each of
the two solstices in June and December
when solar altitude is lowest
 Insolation
is highest in the tropics
because solar altitude is very high and
close to vertical all year round
Annual and Global Patterns of
Insolation

Places within the tropics have insolation
curves with 2 peaks recorded twice a year
when the sun is directly overhead in their
locations

Places between the Tropic of Cancer and the
North Pole or Tropic of Capricorn and the
South Pole have insolation curves with a single
peak recorded during their summer solstice
Global Insolation
Atmospheric Heating and Cooling Processes
 The
heating and cooling processes in the
Atmosphere include:
=> Radiation, Absorption
=> Reflection, Scattering
=> Transmission, Conduction
=> Convection, Advection
=> Adiabatic Cooling & Warming
=> Latent Heat
Heating & Cooling Processes: Absorption
 What
is Absorption?
- it is the process of an object taking in
the radiant energy striking it
- it cause the temperature of the
absorbing object to increase
- good absorber include: rock, soil and
dark-colored objects
Heating & Cooling Processes: Absorption
- black bodies like the sun and earth
are both good radiators & absorbers
- a total of 22% of solar radiation is
absorbed in the atmosphere by
clouds, water vapor and dust
particles
Heating & Cooling Processes: Reflection
 What
is Reflection?
- It is the ability of surfaces to return
electromagnetic waves back to space
- cloud, snow, and other surfaces with
whitish colors are good reflectors
- a total of 33% of incoming solar
radiation is reflected back to space
and unavailable to warm up the earthatmosphere system
Insolation Losses in the Atmosphere
Insolation Losses
Percent Loss
Cloud Reflection
21%
Reflection Scattering and Diffused
Losses
Reflection
4%
(Albedo)
Earth Surface Reflection
8%
Total Reflection Losses
33%
Absorption Ozone Absorption
3%
Losses
Atmosphere Absorption
19%
Total Absorption Losses
22%
TOTAL INSOLATION LOSSES 33% + 22% = 55%
Heating & Cooling Processes: Scattering
 What
is Scattering?
- It is the ability of particulates & gas
molecules to deflect and re-direct
light waves
- Shorter waves, especially violet and
blue lights, are more susceptible to
scattering
Heating & Cooling Processes: Scattering
-
light waves may be scattered back to
space or re-directed through the
atmosphere as diffused radiation
- Rayleigh Scattering occurs when the
size of the scattering gas molecule less
than the wavelength of the incoming
radiation and therefore causes violet to
blue lights to be scattered to produce
the blue sky
Heating & Cooling Processes: Scattering
- Mie Scattering occurs when the radii
of the scattering particle is greater
than the wavelength of the incoming
radiation
Atmospheric Heating and Cooling Processes:
Absorption, Reflection & Scattering
 the
amount of solar energy received
per square centimeter per minute at the
earth surface is usually less than the
solar constant because of energy losses
in the atmosphere through:
- reflection
- scattering
- absorption
The Fate of Solar Reflection Near or At
Earth’s Surface
Insolation Losses in the Atmosphere
Insolation Losses
Percent Loss
Cloud Reflection
21%
Reflection Scattering and Diffused
Losses
Reflection
4%
(Albedo)
Earth Surface Reflection
8%
Total Reflection Losses
33%
Absorption Ozone Absorption
3%
Losses
Atmosphere Absorption
19%
Total Absorption Losses
22%
TOTAL INSOLATION LOSSES 33% + 22% = 55%
Solar Radiation Losses in the Atmosphere
Heating & Cooling Processes: Conduction
 What
is Conduction?
- it is a molecule to molecule flow of
heat energy of a stationary body
from its warmer molecules to the
cooler molecules
- this is how ground surface heat is
transferred to the lower atmosphere
by conduction
Heating & Cooling Processes: Conduction
- But both earth surface materials and
the air are poor heat conductors
- Hence, the physical movement of air
from the earth surface to spread heat
energy to the lower atmosphere is
predominantly by convection and
advection
Heating & Cooling Processes: Conduction
 As
a result, atmosphere is heated mostly
from below rather than from above
Heating & Cooling Processes: Convection
 What
is Convection?
- It involves the vertical transfer of
heat by a moving substance or body
-
For example, heated air molecules
move vertically away to reach and
warm up cooler molecules above
- Convection causes warm air to rise
Heating & Cooling Processes: Advection
- when the convecting movement is
horizontal, it is called advection
-
Heat is advected from warm tropical
areas toward the poles when warm
winds or warm ocean currents move
poleward
Heating & Cooling Processes:
Adiabatic Cooling and Warming
 Temperature of ascending or descending
parcel of air in the atmosphere changes
by:
- Adiabatic cooling
- Adiabatic warming
 Adiabatic
cooling involves cooling by
expansion of rising air parcel
Heating & Cooling Processes:
Adiabatic Cooling and Warming
 Adiabatic
warming involves warming by
compression of descending air parcel
The Heating of the Atmosphere
 Solar energy received by the earth
surface is utilized to warm up the earthatmosphere system through:
- Latent heat (50%)
- Longwave (infrared) energy (38%)
- Sensible heat (12%)
 Longwave
Radiation:
- 38% of solar energy reaching the
earth surface is converted into
longwave energy
Solar Radiation Redirected to the
Atmosphere
The Heating of the Atmosphere
- earth re-radiates longwave energy in
wavelengths between 5 & 30 microns or
micrometer back to the atmosphere
- While the atmosphere is transparent to
shortwave solar radiation, much of
longwave earth radiation is blocked or
absorbed in the atmosphere
The Heating of the Atmosphere
- The blockage causes the atmosphere
to heat up, a phenomenon called
greenhouse effect
- Water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone &
methane are greenhouse gases because
they allow the passage of shortwave
solar energy but absorbs outgoing
longwave radiation
The Heating of the Atmosphere
 Latent
Heat Energy:
- 50% of solar energy reaching earth
surface is converted into latent heat
- It is energy stored in water and water
vapor
- It is hidden and cannot be felt
The Heating of the Atmosphere
- Water changes to vapor by absorbing
heat energy (latent heat of
vaporization) from its surrounding
and causing a cooling effect
-
Latent heat is carried into the
atmosphere by rise air
- Hence, it is important in heat
exchange between the earth surface
and the atmosphere
The Heating of the Atmosphere
- Latent heat is converted into sensible
when vapor changes back to liquid
condensation) in upper atmosphere
- It is a great conveyor belt of heat
energy between the earth and the
atmosphere driven by convection
The Heating of the Atmosphere
 Sensible
Heat:
- 12% of solar energy is converted
into sensible heat
- it is detectable by human sense of
touch and measurable with the
thermometer
- it reaches the lower atmosphere from
the earth surface through
conduction, convection or advection
The Heating of the Atmosphere
 As
a result, atmosphere is heated mostly
from below rather than from above
 Some
of the total energy gained by the
atmosphere is re-radiated back to the
earth surface in the form of COUNTERRADIATION
The Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere
System: Radiation Balance
 The
amount of solar energy received by
the earth surface is equal to the amount
that the earth surface returns to the
atmosphere in the form of longwave
radiation, latent heat and sensible heat
 The
difference between the amount of
solar radiation received and outgoing
radiation from the earth surface is called
net radiation
Simplified Energy Budget
Detailed Energy Budget
The Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere
System: Radiation Balance
 On
a global and annual basis, net
radiation is zero
 Hence
the global energy balance is zero
 However,
there are places where net
radiation is well above zero, especially
within the tropics or well below zero,
especially in the polar regions
Net Radiation: Energy Surplus and Deficit Areas
The Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere
System: Radiation Balance
 In
general, there is a significant energy
surplus in the region between lat 40oN
and 38oS
 and
a significant energy deficit in the
polar regions outside the region of
surplus
The Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere
System: Radiation Balance
 This
general global imbalance in energy
distribution is ameliorated by the redistribution of heat by atmospheric and
oceanic circulations
The Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere
System: Radiation Balance
 The
air temperature of a place is closely
related to its net radiation distribution
 On
a daily basis, temperature increases
progressively during the day as net
radiation increases and drops
throughout the night as net radiation
drops
Daily Cycles of Insolation, Net Radiation & Temperature
Daily Cycle of Insolation
Daily Cycle of Net Radiation
Daily Cycle of Air Temperature
The Heating of the Earth-Atmosphere
System: Radiation Balance
 On
an annual basis, temperature is high in
summer in most places because of the high
net radiation recorded during that season
and vice versa during the winter
 Generally,
the peak of air temperature
often lags behind the peak of insolation or
net radiation because of the extra time
required to warm up the earthatmosphere system
Annual Cycles of Net Radiation in Relation
to Air Temperature
Annual Cycles of Net Radiation in Relation
to Air Temperature
Air Temperature
 Air
temperature is measured with a
thermometer in degrees Celsius (ºC) or
Fahrenheit (ºF)
 From
Celsius (C) to Fahrenheit (F) use:
oF
= 9/5C + 32o
 From Fahrenheit (F) to Celsius (C) use:
oC
= 5/9(F-32o)
Air Temperature
 Mercury-filled
thermometers are
commonly used to measure temperature
 Digital
thermometer equipped with
thermistor are increasing being used
today
 There
are over 5000 weather stations in
the U.S. where air temperature is
measured
Air Temperature
 Most
weather stations report the highest
and lowest temperature recorded during a
24-hr period using the maximumminimum thermometers
 The
thermometers are often housed in a
white wooden box shelter called the
Stevenson screen
Stevenson Screen: Thermometer Shelter
Vertical Air Temperature Profile
 Temperature
varies both horizontally
and vertically
 Vertical
temperature patterns also have
direct influence on climatic processes
 Under
normal conditions, temperature
decreases with increasing altitude within
the troposphere
Vertical Air Temperature Profile
 This
is commonly referred to as the
normal lapse rate condition
normal lapse rate is 3.6oF per 1000 ft
(or 6.5oF per kilometer or 1000 meters)
 The
 This
rate is not always constant
Normal Topospheric Lapse Rate
Vertical Air Temperature Profile
 In
the lower part of the troposphere,
temperature may increase upward for a
limited distance according to:
- season
- time of day
- amount of cloud cover
 Such
reversal of the normal lapse-rate
condition is called temperature inversion
Temperature Inversion in Lower Atmosphere
Vertical Air Temperature Profile:
Temperature Inversion
 It’s
a condition where temperature
increases with increasing altitude in the
troposphere
 It’s
duration is usually short and
restricted in depth
 Occurs
near the Earth’s surface as well
as in the upper levels
Vertical Air Temperature Profile:
Temperature Inversion
 Climatic
Effects of Temperature Inversion:
- inhibition of vertical air movements
and a general stagnation of the air
- inhibition of precipitation formation
process
- increased air pollution (no upward
dispersal of pollutants)
Vertical Air Temperature Profile:
Temperature Inversion
 There
are two broad types of inversion:
surface and upper air inversions
 Surface
air inversion consists of three
types based on how they are formed:
- Radiational Inversions
- Advectional Inversion
- Cold Air Drainage Inversion:
Vertical Air Temperature Profile:
Temperature Inversion
 Radiational
Inversion:
- occurs at night when the sky is blue
& calm, especially during the cold
winter seasons
-
and surface cools rapidly due to
rapid long-wave radiation loss
- causes ground surface to be colder
than the air above
Vertical Air Temperature Profile:
Temperature Inversion
- Cold ground surface cools the air
above by conduction
- Hence, the lowest few hundred feet of
the troposphere become colder than
the air above
- common in temperate latitudes
Vertical Air Temperature Profile:
Temperature Inversion
 Advectional Inversions:
- caused by the horizontal inflow of
cold air into an area
-
common in coastal areas with onshore cool maritime air flow
- inversion is shallow and short in
duration & may occur anytime of the
year
Vertical Air Temperature Profile:
Temperature Inversion
 Cold
Air-Drainage Inversions:
- caused by cooler air sliding down the
hill slope into the valley
- descending air displaces the warmer
air to cause an inversion
- common in winter
Vertical Air Temperature Profile:
Temperature Inversion
 Upper
Air Inversion:
- occurs in the upper levels with a base
of a few thousand feet above ground
- common in winter in areas with high
pressure conditions like the subtropical high pressure belt
- caused by air sinking from above
Temperature Inversion in Upper Atmosphere
Daily Cycle of Air Temperature
 Daily
cycle of temperature is controlled
by the daily cycle of net radiation
 Daily
minimum air temperature occurs
just before sunrise
 it
attains a maximum at between 2 and 4
P.M. and drops throughout the night
Daily Cycles of Insolation, Net Radiation & Temperature
Daily Cycle of Air Temperature
 Insolation
begins at sunrise, attains a
maximum at noon and ends at sunset
 Similarly,
net radiation is positive
shortly after sunrise, attains a maximum
at noon and reaches zero at sunset
 When
net radiation is positive, surface
gains heat and loses heat when negative
Annual Cycle of Air Temperature
 The
annual cycle of net radiation drives
the annual cycle of air temperature
 Temperatures
in equatorial regions
change very little throughout the year
is uniformly high (81oF)
with a small rise in temperature shortly
after the equinoxes
 Temperature
Annual Cycles of Net Radiation in Relation
to Air Temperature
Annual Cycle of Air Temperature
 Within
the tropics, net radiation surplus
is large all year
 Peak
temperature occurs during or
shortly after the summer solstice and
lowest in winter solstice in the tropics
 In
the mid-latitudes, surplus net
radiation occurs 9 months with deficit in
winter
Annual Cycle of Air Temperature
 Air
temperature shows similar patterns
with high temperature range of >30oF in
the mid-latitudes
 In
the poles, we have:
- 6 months deficit net radiation
- 6 months surplus, hence:
- an extremely low winter temperature
of about -50oF and a summer peak of
about 55oF
Annual Cycle of Air Temperature
- and an extremely large temperature
range of of up to (110oF)
 In
general, monthly temperature
maximums and minimums occur later at
coastal stations than at interior stations
 Hence,
the hottest month of the year for
interior regions is July but in August at
coastal locations (N.H.)
Annual Cycle of Air Temperature
 The
coldest month for large interior land
areas is in January but in February at
coastal locations (N.H.)
 The
reason for the timing difference is the
fact that oceans heat and cool more slowly
than continents
Global Patterns of Air Temperature
 Air temperatures decrease from the
equator to the poles and confirmed by
- the east-west trends in isotherms from
the equator to the mid-latitudes, and
- the circular isotherms in the polar
regions
 Large
landmasses located in the subarctic
and arctic zones develop centers of
extremely low temperature
Average July Temperature Pattern
Average July Sea-Level Temperatures
January Temperature Pattern
Average January Sea-Level Temperatures
Global Patterns of Air Temperature
 Centers
of low winter temperatures:
- North America (northern Canada,
-35oC or –32oF)
- Interior Asia (Siberia, -50oC or -58oF)
- Antarctica and Greenland
 Temperatures
in equatorial regions
change little throughout the year
Global Patterns of Air Temperature
 Isotherms
make a large north-south shift
from winter to summer over continents in
the mid-latitude and subarctic zones
 Highlands
are always colder than
surrounding lowlands
 Areas
of perpetual ice and snow are
always intensely cold
Global Patterns of Air Temperature
 Global
pattern of annual temperature
range:
- Annual range increases with latitude,
especially over northern hemisphere
continents
-
The greatest ranges occur in the
subarctic and arctic zones of Asia and
North America
Average Annual Temperature Range
Global Patterns of Air Temperature
- The annual range is moderately large
on land areas in the tropical zone,
near the tropics of Cancer and
Capricorn
- The annual range over oceans is less
than that over land at the same
latitude
- The annual range is very small over
oceans in the tropical zone
Global Patterns of Air Temperature
 Global
air temperature patterns are
controlled primarily by:
-
Latitude
Maritime Effects
Continentality Effects
Elevation
Review Questions for Topic 4
1) In the first 11 miles above Earth’s surface, air
temperature generally ___________ with increasing
elevation.
A. increases
B. decreases
C. stabilizes
D. reaches equilibrium
E. rises
1) In the first 11 miles above Earth’s surface, air
temperature generally ___________ with increasing
elevation.
A. increases
B. decreases
C. stabilizes
D. reaches equilibrium
E. rises
Figure 4-27a
Explanation: The observed vertical change in temperature in the
troposphere is decreasing with height.
2) The west wind drift forms as a result of
A. decreased Coriolis
near the equator.
B. global warming.
C. the Arctic Ocean.
D. fewer landmasses
near the poles of the
Northern Hemisphere.
E. fewer landmasses
near the poles of the
Southern Hemisphere.
Figure 4-25
2) The west wind drift forms as a result of
A. decreased Coriolis
near the equator.
B. global warming.
C. the Arctic Ocean.
D. fewer landmasses
near the poles of the Northern
Hemisphere.
Figure 4-25
E. fewer landmasses
near the poles of the
Southern Hemisphere.
Explanation: In the Southern Hemisphere, fewer landmasses allow
for a constant westward flow of ocean water near the South Pole,
3) Even though no heat is taken in from an external
source, adiabatic warming involves warming by
compression in __________ air.
A. sinking
B. rising
C. immobile
D. ascending
E. confused
3) Even though no heat is taken in from an external
source, adiabatic warming involves warming by
compression in __________ air.
A. sinking
B. rising
C. immobile
D. ascending
E. confused
Explanation: When air sinks, the air molecules become closer together,
and their collisions increase. As the collisions increase, kinetic energy
and temperature increase.
4) ________ heat is required when water is converted into
ice.
A. Latent heat of freezing
B. Sensible heat of freezing
C. Latent heat of melting
D. Latent heat of condensation
E. Latent heat of vaporization
4) ________ heat is required when water is converted into
ice.
A. Latent heat of freezing
B. Sensible heat of freezing
C. Latent heat of melting
D. Latent heat of condensation
E. Latent heat of vaporization
Explanation: When water is converted to ice, the process of
freezing takes place. Extra heat release is required to freeze liquid
water, called latent heat of freezing.
5) Incoming solar energy is redirected by particulate
matter and gas molecules in the atmosphere, therefore
lost to Earth through what process?
A. Tropospheric repulsion
B. Terrestrial emission
C. Reflection
D. Absorption
E. Scattering
5) Incoming solar energy is redirected by particulate
matter and gas molecules in the atmosphere, therefore
lost to Earth through what process?
A. Tropospheric repulsion
B. Terrestrial emission
C. Reflection
D. Absorption
E. Scattering
Explanation: As radiation collides with particulate matter, it is
evenly scattered in All directions away from the particle. Some of this
scattered radiation is lost to space.
6) The main source of energy for Earth’s atmosphere is heat
A. radiated by millions of other stars besides the sun.
B. from solar insolation (Sun).
C. generated by gigantic tidal waves.
D. released as radioactive minerals decay at great depth.
E. released on the ocean floor through hydrothermal vents.
6) The main source of energy for Earth’s atmosphere is heat
A. radiated by millions of other stars besides the sun.
B. from solar insolation (Sun).
C. generated by gigantic tidal waves.
D. released as radioactive minerals decay at great depth.
E. released on the ocean floor through hydrothermal vents.
Explanation: Incoming solar radiation accounts for a vast majority
of all energy that Earth’s atmosphere acquires.
Figure 4-17
7) The world’s largest annual temperature range typically
occurs in the interior of what latitudes?
A. Low
B. High
C. Middle
D. Eastern
E. Southern
Figure 4-32
7) The world’s largest annual temperature range typically
occurs in the interior of what latitudes?
A. Low
B. High
C. Middle
D. Eastern
E. Southern
Explanation: Interior high latitudes have the greatest variation in
solar angle, and are not subject to the temperature constraints of a
maritime climate. Thus, these are the regions of greatest annual
temperature variation.
8) Which of these geographic regions would be
characterized by a high albedo?
A. The rain forests
B. The oceans
C. The Arctic
D. The plains
E. The Great Lakes
Figure 4-G
8) Which of these geographic regions would be
characterized by a high albedo?
A. The rain forests
B. The oceans
C. The Arctic
D. The plains
E. The Great Lakes
Explanation: Ice cover in the Arctic is white, which is a highly
reflective surface. As a result, the albedo in the polar regions in
both hemispheres is typically
very high.
9) Which of the following could NOT be a cause for land
warming faster than water?
A. Water has lower sensible heat
B. Water has higher sensible heat
C. Water has more evaporative
cooling
D. Water is in constant motion
E. Water has limited
transmission
Figure 4-23
9) Which of the following could NOT be a cause for land
warming faster than water?
A. Water has lower sensible heat
B. Water has higher sensible heat
C. Water has more evaporative cooling
D. Water is in constant motion
E. Water has limited
transmission
Explanation: The higher sensible heat value for water allows it to
absorb more heat before its temperature rises. If water had a lower
sensible heat than land, its temperature would rise more quickly
than land’s temperature!
10) Which phrase best describes global warming?
A. Global carbon dioxide
levels are sinking
B. Global temperatures
are cooling
C. Ocean temperatures
are warming
D. Earth’s core is warming
Figure 4-35
E. The greenhouse effect
is increasing
10) Which phrase best describes global warming?
A. Global carbon dioxide
levels are sinking
B. Global temperatures
are cooling
C. Ocean temperatures
are warming
D. Earth’s core is warming
Figure 4-35
E. The greenhouse effect is
increasing
Explanation: Increased carbon dioxide is contributing to an enhanced
greenhouse effect, which in turn is increasing global temperatures. This
process is called global warming.
Review Questions for Topic 3
1) The main surface currents in the major ocean basins
assist in the heat transfer around the world by moving
A. warm water from the Northern
Hemisphere to the Southern
Hemisphere.
B. cool water from the poles to
the tropics.
C. warm water from the poles to
the tropics.
D. cool water from the tropics to the poles.
E. warm water from the Southern Hemisphere to
the Northern Hemisphere.
Figure 3-18
1) The main surface currents in the major ocean basins
assist in the heat transfer around the world by moving
A. warm water from the Northern
Hemisphere to the Southern
Hemisphere.
B. cool water from the poles to
the tropics.
C. warm water from the poles to
the tropics.
D. cool water from the tropics to the poles.
Figure 3-18
E. warm water from the Southern Hemisphere to
the Northern Hemisphere.
Explanation: Northerly ocean currents from the poles to the tropics
transport cooler water from higher latitudes to lower latitudes.
2) An example of climate (versus weather) for a given
area is
A. the air temperature reached 78°F today.
B. rain showers are predicted for next Saturday.
C. the record high temperature is 122°F.
D. the average rainfall in April is 15 inches.
E. thunderstorms occurred last Mother’s day.
2) An example of climate (versus weather) for a given
area is
A. the air temperature reached 78°F today.
B. rain showers are predicted for next Saturday.
C. the record high temperature is 122°F.
D. the average rainfall in April is 15 inches.
E. thunderstorms occurred last Mother’s day.
Explanation: Climate describes weather conditions over a long
period. So, an average weather condition over a span of many
months would be a climate condition
3) Temperature decreases with increasing elevation in
which thermal atmospheric layers?
A. Troposphere and stratosphere
B. Thermosphere and mesosphere
C. Troposphere and mesosphere
D. Troposphere only
E. Stratosphere and thermosphere
3) Temperature decreases with increasing elevation in
which thermal atmospheric layers?
A. Troposphere and stratosphere
B. Thermosphere and mesosphere
C. Troposphere and mesosphere
D. Troposphere only
E. Stratosphere and thermosphere
Explanation: In Figure 3-5, we see that temperature values decrease as
you ascend in the image. Through the remaining layers, temperature
increases with height.
4) _______ is the most plentiful
variable gas in the atmosphere.
However, it varies in location,
not in time.
A. Nitrogen
B. Ozone
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Oxygen
E. Water vapor
4) _______ is the most plentiful
variable gas in the atmosphere.
However, it varies in location,
not in time.
A. Nitrogen
B. Ozone
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Oxygen
E. Water vapor
Explanation: Water vapor in the atmosphere is highly variable,
falling out as precipitation and being replenished by water sources.
Its composition can vary from 0-4% of the total atmosphere.
5) Oxygen accounts for what proportion of the of the volume
of gases in the atmosphere?
A. 21%
B. 78%
C. 0.037%
D. 1-4%
E. 0.9%
Figure 3-1
5) Oxygen accounts for what proportion of the of the volume
of gases in the atmosphere?
A. 21%
B. 78%
C. 0.037%
D. 1-4%
E. 0.9%
Explanation: While oxygen is the most important element for
life, it makes up a relatively small percentage of the atmosphere
when compared to nitrogen.
6) If a wind of 55 mph were subjected to a Coriolis force
that is double what exists on Earth, what would its
new speed be?
A. 110 mph
B. 27.5 mph
C. 45 mph
D. 0 mph
E. 55 mph
Figure 3-22
6) If a wind of 55 mph were subjected to a Coriolis force
that is double what exists on Earth, what would its
new speed be?
A. 110 mph
B. 27.5 mph
C. 45 mph
D. 0 mph
E. 55 mph
Explanation: The Coriolis force affects the direction of motion, but
not the speed. Doubling the Coriolis force will not affect the speed
of the wind.
7) The aurora borealis typically occurs in
A. the homosphere.
B. the troposphere.
C. the ionosphere.
D. the stratosphere.
E. the mesosphere.
Figure 3-10
7) The aurora borealis typically occurs in
A. the homosphere.
B. the troposphere.
C. the ionosphere.
D. the stratosphere.
E. the mesosphere.
Figure 3-10
Explanation: In the ionosphere, charged particles interacting with
ultraviolet solar Radiation cause these particles to glow, forming the
aurora phenomena.
8) Which of the following is an example of a secondary
pollutant?
A. Carbon monoxide
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Particulates
D. Smog
E. CFCs
8) Which of the following is an example of a secondary
pollutant?
A. Carbon monoxide
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Particulates
D. Smog
E. CFCs
Explanation: Secondary pollutants form as a result of a process
from a primary pollutant. Smog forms when smoke mixes with
fog, so it is a secondary pollutant.
9) Ozone is depleted by CFCs. What is the primary
atom in the CFC molecule that is responsible for
ozone depletion?
A. Oxygen
B. Fluoride
C. Fluorine
D. Chloride
E. Chlorine
9) Ozone is depleted by CFCs. What is the primary
atom in the CFC molecule that is responsible for
ozone depletion?
A. Oxygen
B. Fluoride
C. Fluorine
D. Cchloride
E. Chlorine
Explanation: The chlorine atom in a CFC molecule attracts oxygen
atoms from ozone, causing the ozone molecule to break into a
regular oxygen molecule, resulting in ozone depletion.
10) Los Angeles, California and Dallas, Texas have
vastly different climates, despite existing at the
same latitude. What causes the climate difference?
A. Proximity to a desert
B. Sun is more directly overhead in Dallas
C. Los Angeles is near mountains
D. Dallas is in the Plains
E. Dallas is continental; Los Angeles is maritime.
10) Los Angeles, California and Dallas, Texas have
vastly different climates, despite existing at the
same latitude. What causes the climate difference?
A. Proximity to a desert
B. Sun is more directly overhead in Dallas
C. Los Angeles is near mountains
D. Dallas is in the Plains
E. Dallas is continental; Los Angeles is maritime.
Explanation: LA’s proximity to water allows for a less variable
climate in terms of temperature. In general, maritime regions have a
less volatile climate than continental regions.