Download Thermal Energy Transfer in the Atmosphere

Thermal Energy Transfer in the
Atmosphere
Thermal energy transfer - is the movement of thermal
energy to an area of high temperature to an area of low
temperature.
Conduction and Convection
Conduction: Is the transfer of thermal
energy through direct contact of the
particles of a substance. Usually takes
place in solids.
Convection: Is transfer of thermal energy through the
movement of particles from one area to another. Happens in
liquids and gases. The movement of particles form a current.
Hot air or water rises because the particles move further
apart. This makes them less dense so they rise. Colder
particles are more dense and move down.
Effects of Thermal Energy Transfer in the Atmosphere
Atmospheric pressure is the pressure exerted by air.
Warm air has less pressure because it is less dense.
Wind forms because cool air moves in to replace warm
air.
The Coriolis Effect
If the Earth was not spinning there would be a continuous
cycle of wind from the north to the south. But the Coriolis
effect is the deflection of any object from a straight line
path by the rotation of the Earth. This causes air to turn
right in the Northern Hemisphere and Left in the Southern
Hemisphere.
Jet Streams
A band of fast moving air in the stratosphere. There is not
as much friction so wind moves very fast.
Jet streams affect weather at lower levels in the
atmosphere. Because when air enters the Jet stream it
causes a low pressure system that is pulled along the
jetstream.
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