GEOG 106 Lecture Notes - Lecture 21: Tropopause, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere
Document Summary
The sources of energy at the earth"s surface. The sun heats air in the atmosphere, drives air movement, helps create seasons and influences weather + climate. 70% of solar energy is absorbed by the atmosphere while the rest is reflected back in space. Because earth is tilted on an axis ( 23. 5 degree) the south + northern hemisphere each tilt towards the sun for half the year resulting in season changes. Land and surface water absorb solar energy, re-radiaitng heat and causing water to evaporate = resulting in precipitation. Without evaporation caused by the sun their would be no precipitation, resulting in malnourished plants and animals. The whole ecosystem would be dimished without solar energy. Thin layer of gas that surrounds the earth: provides us with oxygen, absorbs hazardous solar radiation, transports + recycles water. Atmosphere consist of: 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen gas, 1% is composed of argon gas. Variable gas vary concentration from natural processes or human activity"s.
