BIO205H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Atmospheric Pressure, Thermosphere, Dew Point
Document Summary
Weather is the combination of short-term conditions at a specific place and time. Climate is the long-term average pattern of weather in a rage of region. Molecular interactions in the atmosphere create heat with the rotation of earth create movement of air and water. Some solar radiation is reflected or absorbed before reaching the earth"s surface, some evaporate water, heat air close to land, and ocean and land. Most longwave radiation created by earth is absorbed by co2 and clouds, which radiates back and create the greenhouse effect. Photosynthetically active radiation (par) is electromagnetic radiation from the sun used in photosynthesis. At high latitudes, sun"s radiations hits at an oblique angle, and must travel through thicker layer of air. Tropic of cancer and tropic of capricorn receives direct solar rays on summer and winter solstice respectively. The equator receives 12 hours of day and night everyday of the year. Seasonality of solar radiation, temperature, and day length increases with latitude.
