Energy tranfers within the atmosphere

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Energy transfers in the atmosphere

The source of energy for our planet is the sun. The sun’s energy moves through space, and then through the earth’s atmosphere and then finally reaches the earth’s surface.

This energy is then absorbed by the earth’s surface and is then re-radiated as heat energy.

There are three ways that heat energy is transferred through the atmosphere, radiation, conduction and convection.

Conduction happens near the ground as heat energy is passed on through the movement of heat particles. All heat energy travels from a warmer region to a cold region, therefore the rate of conduction depends on factors such as temperature, surface area and the given levels of conductivity for various substances.

The conduction of heat energy through the atmosphere is intensified by the amount of heat energy, which is radiated by the sun to be absorbed by the earth’s surface.

The transaction of heat energy from the sun to the earth is known as radiation. This is how the earth receives the heat energy emitted from the sun.              

This radiant heat energy is also absorbed by the earth’s surface, this is what provides us with an average surface temperature of 14/15 degrees C.

The heat energy absorbed by the earth’s surface fluctuates in certain regions of the atmosphere due to various factors i.e. clouds absorbing heat, the sun’s orbital path and the rotation of the earth.        

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The radiation that reaches the earth is then re-radiated to form convection currents.

It is the re-radiation that heats up the lowest parts of the atmosphere (troposphere).  

The convection of heat in the atmosphere involves the movement of air. Air is a poor conductor of energy so convection is a major process of energy transfer in the earth’s atmosphere.    

Particles in liquids and gases move more when heated and spread out and become less dense. Cooler more dense particles then fill their place producing alternating vertical currents known as convection currents.    

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