Insolation
Incoming solar radiation, which is the main source of energy on Earth
Albedo
The percentage of incoming sunlight reflected from a surface
Troposphere
A layer of the atmosphere closest to the surface of Earth, extending up to approximately 16km (10 miles)
Stratosphere
The layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere, extending roughly 16 to 50km (10-31 miles) above the surface of Earth
Ozone
A pale blue gas composed of molecules made up of three oxygen atoms (O3)
Mesosphere
The layer of the atmosphere above the stratosphere, extending roughly 50 to 85 km (31-53 miles)
Thermosphere
The layer of the atmosphere above the mesosphere, extending 85 to 600 km (53 - 375 miles) above the surface of Earth
Exosphere
The outermost layer of the atmosphere, which extends from 600 to 1,000 km (375 - 6,200 miles) above the surface of Earth
Saturation point
The maximum amount of water vapor in the air at a given temperature
Adiabatic cooling
The cooling effect of reduced pressure on air as it rises higher in the atmosphere and expands
Adiabatic heating
The heating effect of increased pressure on air as it sinks toward the surface of Earth and decreases in volume
Latent heat release
The release of energy when water vapor in the atmosphere condenses into liquid water
Atmospheric convection current
Global patterns of air movement that are initiated by the unequal heating of Earth
Hadley cell
A convection current in the atmosphere that cycles between the equator and 30 oN and 30 oS
Intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ)
The latitude that receives the most intense sunlight, which causes the ascending branches of the two Hadley cells to converge
Polar cell
A convection current in the atmosphere, formed by air that rises at 60oN and 60oS and sinks at the poles, 90oN and 90oS
Ferrell cell
A convection current in the atmosphere that lies between Hadley cells and polar cells
Coriolis effect
The deflection of an object’s path due to the rotation of the Earth
Gyre
A large-scale pattern fo water circulation that moves clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere
Upwelling
The upward movement of ocean water toward the surface as a result of diverging currents
Thermohaline circulation
An oceanic circulation pattern that drives the mixing of surface water and deep water
Rain shadow
A region with dry conditions found on the leeward side of a mountain range as a result of humid winds from the ocean causing precipitation on the windward side
El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
A reversal of wind and water currents in the South Pacific
La Nina
Following an El Nino event, trade winds in the South Pacific reverse strongly, causing regions that were hot and dry to become cooler and wetter
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Energy Week 340
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