Download U3 / SOL prep: Sun-Earth-Atmosphere

SCIENCE SOL Review:
the SUN
&
EARTH’s ATMOSPHERE
SEASONS
• Axis Tilts  causes seasons to occur
• Equinox (equal amount of day/night
sun/dark) … twice/year March & Sept
Winter in
the North
Summer in
the South
5) Exosphere — contains few particles that
move into and from space.
4) Thermosphere —temperature increases
with height. The temperatures can rise to
1,500 degrees C, but it would not feel warm
because of the low air pressure in this layer.
3) Mesosphere —the layer in which most
meteors burn up after entering Earth’s
atmosphere and before reaching Earth’s
surface.
2) Stratosphere —contains the ozone layer;
the layer where volcanic gases can affect the
climate. Aurora Borealis occurs here.
1) Troposphere —the layer closest to Earth’s
surface in which all weather occurs.
Our
Atmosphere
Sun creates HOT
AIR (rises)
Cool Air Sinks
CLOUDS
& WEATHER
Creates WIND and a
circular Pattern
1. Heat & Winds cause Evaporation
2. Water Vapor condenses into Clouds
which eventually produce Precipitation
3. Heat & Air Pressure & Earth’s Rotation
create Weather Fronts that move
around Earth’s surface
TORNADOS
“Tornado Alley”
• Cold Front meets Warm &
Humid Air, pushing it upward
• Winds cause up-drafts and
rotation of clouds
HURRICANES
• Warm water is necessary to
supply Energy into Fronts
• Gets weaker inland or over
colder water
• Earth’s Rotation creates
spinning motion