Meteorology: The Science of the Atmosphere
 Warm-up: Make a list of all the ways the atmosphere is
different from outer space.
 Homework: 1- Review all notes- remember to be ready
for a QUIZ at any time! *SF 5 testable questions due
9/10. Science in the News #2 due 9/12
 The atmosphere:
1. What is it exactly?
2. What is its composition?
 First, let’s revisit OBJ 1:
“Explain that Earth’s atmosphere is a mixture of
particles which are made up of matter.”
Air
 What is air?
 A gas(es)
 *Made up of particles or molecules
 A mixture of gases and other particles that surrounds
the Earth
*Other particles: solids= dust, ash, sea salt, dirt & smoke
Liquids= water and gases = oxygen, carbon dioxide,
nitrogen, argon and others
Gas
 Made up of particles
or molecules: *balloon
Matter
 Anything that has
mass and takes up
space. THINK: solid,
liquid, gas or *plasma.
http://www.chem.purdu
e.edu/gchelp/liquids/
character.html
 Because all objects are made out of molecules, it is
possible to determined how tightly packed those
molecules are. This is known as density. The more
tightly packed the molecules of an object, liquid or gas
are, the more dense we say they are.
 DEMO- air pressure
*balloon
 The density of an object doesn’t change. Or does it? It
shows a relationship.
WHY?
 The density of a solid will remain the same no matter
where we place the object. For a liquid, density will
change only slightly.
 However, the density of a gas
changes drastically.
OTHER GASES INCLUDE:
Ozone
Water vapor
Xanon
What do you think the Earth’s atmosphere would be
like if plants did not exist?
Group Work:
Read “How Earth’s Atmosphere Got It’s Oxygen”
independently
In groups answer questions 1-3
The atmosphere is made up of a mixture of atoms &
molecules.
Air or gases are made up of matter- they have mass and
take up space. Think of the BALLOON.
Density is the concentration of particles in a given
space.
Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere
Earth’s atmosphere makes conditions on Earth
suitable for living things.
What is the atmosphere? Name at least three gases the
atmosphere is composed of.
Warm-up: Which gas- oxygen or nitrogen – is the
major component of Earth’s air?
Homework: 1- Read & take notes on pgs 3-9 do SR on
pg 9. (Notes on the layers of the atmosphere.) 2Science in the News #2 due 9/12. *Look ahead on SF
timeline- what is coming up!!!
What is air pressure?
Air pressure:
Is the measure of force with which the air molecules
push on a surface.
*Read the article for HW.
DEMO “Air Pressure”
(cup of water & cardboard &/or paper towel)
High pressure = high density Low pressure = low density
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goUhGwX-xWo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZX2mD4voK4
Altitude
Temperature
Air Pressure
Density
Altitude: Height of an object above Earth’s surface.
What do you think happens to air molecules as
they go up into the atmosphere?
The atmosphere becomes less
dense the higher you go away from
Earth’s surface -altitude.
Atmosphere has weight (pull of
gravity). It is the weight of the air
above which compresses the air
below it to greater density. Air
pressure decreases the higher up
in the atmosphere you go.
http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/co
ntent/visualizations/es1901/es1901page01.cfm?chapter
_no=19
 Classzone 1901: Pressure & Altitude
18
What is temperature?
Temperature is the average energy of particles in
motion. High temperature means that particles are
moving very fast.
Liquid water:
What do you think happens when water evaporates into
the atmosphere?
What is density?
 How tightly molecules are packed within a given
space.
Density = Mass
Volume

Reminder: what is density? Think about what
happens to the gas particles.

Use the image on the following slide to answer
the following:
*Describe the differences in air pressure
between points A and B.
Density of Air at Two Altitudes
Density
At Air
Level
A.
Density
At Sea
Level
B.
 A gas will expand to fill the space it is provided.
 If we take a certain amount of gas out of one container
and place it into another container that is twice as
large the gas will expand, filling the larger container.
We still have the same number of gas molecules, but
now, they are filling a much larger area.
 Thus, the gas is half as dense
as it was before. There is twice
as much space between the
molecules as there was in the
smaller container.
decreases with an
increase in
Air Pressure
increases
with
Altitude
Temperature
Density
Is affected by
both
altitude and
temperature
Aneroid
measured
with
Barometers
types
Mercury
 An instrument to measure air pressure
Aneroid
Mercury
26
a.) Name 3 factors that affect air pressure.
b.) Explain how temperature changes with altitude.
c.) Why does it feel more humid in the summer time?
Warm-up: Have out yesterday’s notes and SR from page
9. While you’re waiting for class to start complete
“Layers of the Sky” (OPTION).
Homework: Complete Ch. 1 Directed Reading worksheet
packet- Due Monday. Science in the News #2 due 9/12
Agenda:
 Complete chart: column titled “Major features or
characteristics”. (Use your textbook, notes, and
partner to help you.)
 Discuss profile on textbook page 6.
 Begin reading through tomorrow’s lab: “Layers of the
Atmosphere”
 Begin tonight’s homework- IF time!
 See page 6 of your text. Answer the following.
1. Which layer of the atmosphere is closest to Earth?
2. How does temperature change within the stratosphere?
3. Which atmospheric layer has the greatest range of
temperatures?
4. Approximately how thick is the Earth’s atmosphere?
5. What is the iridescent cloud in the thermosphere as seen
on page 6?
6. What is the white layer at the top of the stratosphere as
seen on page 6?
 Things to think about.
Cold air is more dense than warm air. This is an
important fact for pilots to know. Why did the Wright
brothers test their biplane early in the morning?
Apply this logic to the following: Why do people driving
jet-powered rocket cars attempt to break the landspeed record at midday on hot salt flats?
Warm-up: none. Turn in SitN #2 in BIN!
Homework: 1- Finish “Layers of the Atmosphere”. All Tasksdue Monday. 2- Ch. 1 packet due Monday. QUIZ on is
coming! Science in the News #3 due 9/19. *FINAL SF
questions are due 9/17.
 Notes on layers of atmosphere- take out chart. Add
notes to “Major features or characteristics”
 “Layers of the Atmosphere” lab
Tasks 1 & 2
 Independent time for Tasks 3 & 4 and Chapter 1 packet
 The atmosphere has 4 main layers. Based on your
reading what can you tell me about Earth’s
atmosphere?
 Let’s investigate!
http://bedavis.wicomico.wikispaces.net/file/view/chapter+14++Atmosphere.pdf
http://bedavis.wicomico.wikispaces.net/file/view/chapter+14++Atmosphere.pdf
http://bedavis.wicomico.wikispaces.net/file/view/chapter+14++Atmosphere.pdf
http://bedavis.wicomico.wikispaces.net/file/view/chapter+14++Atmosphere.pdf
 Temperature is the average energy of particles in
motion. High temperature means that particles are
moving very fast.
 Heat is the transfer of energy between objects. In
order to transfer energy, particles MUST touch.
See textbook page 8
http://bedavis.wicomico.wikispaces.net/file/view/chapter+14++Atmosphere.pdf
 Upper part of mesosphere & lower part of
thermosphere
 Nitrogen & Oxygen atoms absorb harmful solar rays
(like gamma rays, x-rays)
 Causes gas particles to become electrically charged
(ions)
And thus…
44
http://bedavis.wicomico.wikispaces.net/file/view/chapter+14++Atmosphere.pdf
http://bedavis.wicomico.wikispaces.net/file/view/chapter+14++Atmosphere.pdf
 Last layer
 Sits above Thermosphere
 Border between Earth’s atmosphere and space
 Has no “end” . . . just goes into space
 Region where atoms and molecules escape into space
47
Group work: Complete tasks 1 & 2 in groups.
Task 1: Create a temperature profile of the atmosphere.
See textbook page 6.
Task 2: Graph analysis. See textbook page 6.
Task 3: Comparing the Layers of the Atmosphere
Task 4: Summary Questions 1-4 Do NOT answer
question # 5.
 Can you anyone name the four major layers of the
atmosphere?
 How can the thermosphere have high temperatures
but not feel hot?
 What are the other three layers we discussed?
Describe them.
Warm-up: Turn in Ch. 1 Self Directed packet for
section 1
Homework: 1- Read pages 10 – 13. Take notes on
“terms to learn” (radiation, conduction, convection,
greenhouse effect, and global warming). 2- “Layers of
the Atmosphere” lab due tomorrow. 3- Science in the
News #3 due 9/19
 Finish notes from yesterday
 QUIZ
 Time to finish “Layers of Atmosphere” lab
 After completing Task 1 on “Layers of the
Atmosphere” what does this graph remind you of?
 What is the difference between this graph and a profile
of Earth’s atmosphere?
 What is the difference between heat and temperature?
Warm-up: Suppose that you will be vacationing in two
unique spots- the Sahara Desert and the Antarctic ice
sheet. Decide whether white or black clothing would
be best for each location. Explain your choices.
Homework: 1- Answer Section Review Question on
textbook page 13. 2- Begin working on Ch.1, Sect. 2
Directed Reading Worksheet. 3- Science in the News
#3 due 9/19.
 Quiz
 Continue Task#2 on “Layers of the Atmosphere”
 Group Activity: Conduction, convection, radiation.
 You will be put into groups.
 Each group will be assigned 1 of the ways energy is




transferred in the atmosphere.
Turn to page 10 & find your assigned term.
With your group, determine how you will demonstrate
that term using pictures or materials found at home or
in the classroom.
Each group will present their demonstration to the class.
Presentations!
Answer the following:
1. Describe three (3) things that can happen to energy
when it reaches the Earth’s atmosphere.
2. How does the process of convection rely on
conduction?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What are the two main gases in Earth’s atmosphere?
What is atmospheric pressure?
Name the layers of the atmosphere, starting with the
one closest to Earth (List ONLY the main 4.)
In which layer is the ozone layer located? Why is it
important to Earth?
What is the difference between heat and
temperature?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What are the two main gases in Earth’s atmosphere?
What is atmospheric pressure?
Name the layers of the atmosphere, starting with the
one closest to Earth (List ONLY the main 4.)
In which layer is the ozone layer located? Why is it
important to Earth?
What is the difference between heat and
temperature?
Warm-up: Using the terms conduction, convection,
and radiation, how is energy transferred throughout
the atmosphere?
Have out SR from page 13. Be ready to check it!
TURN in FINAL SF question in SCIENCE BIN!
Homework: Begin/ continue Ch.1, Sect. 2 Directed
Reading Worksheet. Science in the News #3 due 9/19.
 Continue yesterday’s group work. Presentations
 Notes
 Read through Water Coloration lab
 Begin homework
 You will be put into groups.
 Each group will be assigned 1 of the ways energy is
transferred in the atmosphere.
 Turn to page 10 & find your assigned term.
 With your group, determine how you will demonstrate
that term using pictures or materials found at home or
in the classroom.
 Each group will present their demonstration to the
class.
61
 Transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves
 The Earth receives 2 billionths of sun’s energy!!
 Energy is absorbed by a surface--> surface heats up
 Transfer of thermal energy from one material to
another by direct contact
 Transfer of thermal energy by the circulation or
movement of a liquid or gas. Cool air sinks and warm
air rises, thus circulating in a continual process.
DENSITY!!
 Hot air is less dense than cold air
 Cold air is more dense than hot air
 Revisit the following article.
 How is energy transferred throughout the
atmosphere?
65
Warm-up: none.
Have out SR from page 13. Be ready to check it!
Homework: Continue Ch.1, Sect. 2 Directed Reading
Packet (Start reading text pages 14-25 so you can
complete Sections 3 and 4 of your packet). Science in
the News #3 due 9/19.
Warm-up: Time to meet in your groups. (20 minutes!)
TURN in SitN #3 in SCIENCE BIN!
Homework: Read and take notes on textbook pages 1415. Begin working on Section 3 of your Directed
Reading packet (WHOLE packet due Wednesday).
Science in the News #4 due 9/26.
 Time to work in your groups- Presentations
POSTPONED UNTIL MONDAY!! Be ready to present
first thing Monday afternoon!!
 Begin reading/taking notes on text pages 14-15. You
may begin working on Section 3 in your Directed
Reading packet.
 What is a convection current?
 How does a greenhouse stay warm? Explain.
Warm-up: Presentations!
Homework: Continue working on Ch. 1, Sect. 3 Directed
Reading packet- entire packet due Wednesday. Science
in the News #4 due 9/26. *QUIZ on Friday.
 Finish demos/ presentations
 Begin notes on radiation, conduction, & convection
(see previous slides: #61-64)
 Notes on the greenhouse effect and global warming
 The atmosphere’s trapping of Earth’s thermal energy
 50% of radiation that enters the atmosphere is
absorbed
 Carbon dioxide & water vapor stop some of the energy
from escaping back into space by absorbing and
reradiating it
 Earth's most abundant greenhouse gases (in order)
are:
■ water vapor
■ carbon dioxide
■ atmospheric methane
■ nitrous oxide
■ ozone
■ chlorofluorocarbons
 http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/
content/investigations/esu501/esu501page01.cfm
Conclusion
 What is the greenhouse effect? What specific gases
that increase it?
 Warm-up: A metal spoon left in a bowl of hot soup
feels hot. Which process-radiation, conduction, or
convection- is mainly responsible for heating the
spoon?
Homework: 1- Greenhouse Effect webquest is due TBA
(possibly Monday) 2- Science in the News #4 due 9/26.
*QUIZ on Friday. 3- Bibliography of your text book (go
to www.easybib.com)
 Continue greenhouse effect and global warming.
 Read designated parts of NASA Facts article “Global
Warming”
 Greenhouse effect webquest
Conclusion
 Why is global warming good for us?
 Why is global warming bad for us?
 Warm-up: none.
 Agenda: Greenhouse Effect Webquest (answer
questions 1-9)
 Homework: 1- Greenhouse Effect Webquest is due on
Friday! 2-Science in the News #4 due 9/26. *QUIZ on
Friday.
 Warm-up: What causes wind?
TURN in Science in the News #4
 Homework: 1- Greenhouse Effect webquest is due on
Tuesday. Reread text pages 14-15. 2- Science in the
News #5 due 10/10. *SF DRAFT Bibliography due 10/1.
 QUIZ#1 on OBJECTIVES 1-6.
 Demo: hot plate and container with ice
 QuickLab: page 16 “Full of ‘Hot Air’”
 Notes:
 What is wind?
 Pressure Belts
 Coriolis Effect
“The wind does blow from high to
low”
 What does this mean?
 Which area represents low pressure? High pressure?
 Hypothesize: What do you think will happen and why?
 Try it at home!
 What process does this activity model?
 What do you think will happen if you fill the small
bottle with cold water instead?
What is wind?
 Moving air
How is wind created?
 Created by differences in air pressure.
83
 Warm Air rises over the equator
 _____ Pressure over the equator
 Warm air begins to cool and sinks at around 30
degrees north and 30 degrees south
 _______ Pressure over 30N and 30S
 Cool air begins to warm and rise at 60 N and
60 S
 _________ Pressure over 60 N and 60 S
Convection Cells
 The curving of moving objects due to Earth’s rotation
 Winds curve to the right from the equator in the
Northern Hemisphere
 Winds curve to the left from the equator in the
Southern Hemisphere
1. What causes the Coriolis effect?
2. View the animation ES1905
How does the Coriolis effect alter wind direction?
Conclusion
 What causes wind?
 How does the Coriolis Effect affect wind
movement?
 Land & Water Lab intro
86
Warm-up: Describe the movement of air pressure belts.
Homework: Reread pages 16-17. *SF DRAFT Bibliography
due 10/1. Science in the News #5 due 10/10.
 Continue notes- see previous day (Slides #82-85)
 Air pressure website
 Demo?!
 Conclusion- see previous day
Warm-up: Name the 6 types of wind. Pick one and
describe it.
Homework: Reread pages 18-19; Study! *SF DRAFT
Bibliography due 10/1. Science in the News #5 due
10/10.
1. OPTION: Pop quiz- open note book?
2. “Why air moves”
3. Looking at a map
4. Types of wind- Global (Notes)
90
 Recap: You tell me.
 Examples
 http://www.usatoday.com/weather/fronts/latest-
fronts-systems.htm
 http://www.weather.com/news/week-ahead-inweather-20120923
 Trade winds: blow from 30 degrees latitude to the
equator
 Westerlies: wind belts found in both N & S
Hemispheres between 30 degrees and 60 degrees
latitude
 Polar Easterlies: extend from poles to 60 degrees
latitude in both hemispheres
 Jet Streams: narrow belts of high-speed winds in upper
troposphere and lower stratosphere
Warm-up: Can someone demonstrate the Coriolis
Effect?
Homework: Study! Begin reading/ taking notes on pages
20-25. Science in the News #5 due 10/10. *SF Draft
Hypothesis/ Prediction due 10/8.
1. Types of wind- Local Winds:
•Sea and land breezes
•Mountain and valley breezes
•See video:
http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/cont
ent/visualizations/es1903/es1903page01.cfm?chapter_no=v
isualization
2. Read through Land & Water Land
3. Begin lab set up
 Influenced by geography
 Ex. shoreline
 Mountain
 Produces temperature differences
 Land breeze
 Sea breeze
 (See pages 18-19)
 Questions on lab??
 What is a sea breeze? Land breeze?
Warm-up: Begin lab- WAIT FOR INSTRUCTIONS!
Homework: Lab due by the end of class tomorrow!
Finish reading/ taking notes on pages 20-25. SF Draft
of Hypothesis and Prediction due 10/8. Science in the
News #5 due 10/10.***TEST on Ch. 1 on 10/14.
 LAB
 Be sure NOT to violate contract!
 As warm air rises, it creates an area of ______ pressure
over the land. The cool air moves toward the land,
producing a ____ __________. Air over the water is
cooler and creates an area of ______ pressure.
 Here, air over land is cooler and creates an area of
_____ pressure. The cool air moves toward the water,
producing a ____ _________. Air over the water is
warmer and creates an area of _____ pressure.
Warm-up: See yesterday’s conclusion (complete).
BE SURE TO TURN IN LAB BEFORE YOU LEAVE CLASS TODAY!
Homework: Answer Section Review on page 19 and 25;
Study! SF Draft of Hypothesis and Prediction due
10/8. Science in the News #5 due 10/10. **TEST on
10/14.
 Finish lab
NOTES:
 Air quality: definition
 Types of air pollution
 Sources of pollution
 Effects on our Earth
 Reducing pollution
 Refers to pollutants in the air
 Solids, liquids or gases
 From natural and man made sources:
 Dust, sea salt, volcanic gases and ash, smoke, pollen,
swamp gas
 *Natural sources produce grater amount of pollutantsBUT we are used to them
 Primary pollutants: go directly into air (from natural &
human activity)
 Secondary pollutants: from chemical reactions
between primary pollutants
 Example: ozone and smog
 Human
 Transportation
 Industry
 Indoor
 Natural
 Nitrogen cycle
 CO2 and O2 cycle
 Acid precipitation
 Ozone hole
 Effects on human health
 Clean Air Act- gives EPA authority to regulate air
pollutants
 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
What can you do to reduce pollutants?
Warm-up: Continue yesterday’s notes.– WAIT for
instructions.
Homework: Answer Chapter Review on pages 30-31 #120; Study! SF Draft of materials, procedures, variables
(with plan for analysis) and trials due 10/15. Science in
the News #5 due tomorrow. **TEST postponed until
10/15.
 Check SR on 19 and 25
 Handout study guide
 Panel of scientists: research energy source to reduce
OPTIONAL
pollution (Create
your own commercial!)
 In pairs complete Chapter Review on textbook page 30
#1-20
 Name two primary pollutants.
 How do secondary pollutants form?
Warm-up: none.
TURN in Science in the News #5
Homework: SF Draft of materials, procedures, variables
(with plan for analysis) and trials due 10/15. Science in
the News #6 due 10/17. Study! **TEST changed to
10/15.
 Let’s prepare together!
 Complete #21-24 and 26-27 in small groups
 Any questions!!??!!
Homework: Read and take notes on pages 36-39 (take
GOOD notes). Science in the News #6 due 10/17. SF
Draft Background Research due 11/5.