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Why the Earth Changes: Climate Causes and Atmosphere Layers for Kids

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Drizzle Hinata

9/13/2023

Earth and Space Science

Earth's Changing Planet

Why the Earth Changes: Climate Causes and Atmosphere Layers for Kids

Earth's changing climate is influenced by various factors including the sun, water cycle, atmosphere, and oceans. This comprehensive guide explores how these elements interact to shape our planet's weather patterns and long-term climate trends. It covers key concepts such as climate zones, atmospheric layers, air masses, and global wind patterns, providing a thorough understanding of the complex systems that govern Earth's climate.

...

9/13/2023

146

EARTH'S
CHANGING
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Weather - Temporary behavior of atmosphere (what's going on at any certain
time). It involves small geo

View

Weather vs. Climate

Weather and climate are closely related but distinct concepts in Earth science.

Weather refers to the temporary behavior of the atmosphere in a small geographic area. It can change rapidly and is studied by meteorologists. Climate, on the other hand, describes the long-term behavior of the atmosphere over a large geographic area, typically observed over 100+ years.

Definition: Meteorology is the study of weather, and a person who studies weather is called a meteorologist.

Types of Climate

The Earth is divided into three main climate zones:

  1. Polar 90°60°latitude90° - 60° latitude: Characterized by cool summers and cold year-round temperatures.
  2. Temperate 60°30°latitude60° - 30° latitude: Features true seasons, moderate precipitation, and a variety of climate patterns.
  3. Tropical 30°equator30° - equator: No winter, warm year-round with high temperatures, rainfall, and humidity.

Highlight: Understanding the 4 climate zones includingthedryclimatezoneincluding the dry climate zone is crucial for comprehending global climate patterns and their changes over time.

Factors Affecting Weather and Climate

Four main factors influence Earth's weather and climate:

  1. The Sun
  2. The Water Cycle
  3. The Atmosphere
  4. The Ocean

These factors interact in complex ways to shape our planet's climate system.

EARTH'S
CHANGING
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Weather - Temporary behavior of atmosphere (what's going on at any certain
time). It involves small geo

View

The Sun and Water Cycle

The Sun's Influence

The sun plays a crucial role in shaping Earth's climate:

  • It warms the atmosphere and oceans
  • Creates climate zones
  • Keeps the water cycle going
  • Affects weather patterns

Highlight: The sun's energy is the primary driver of Earth's climate system, influencing everything from temperature patterns to atmospheric circulation.

The Water Cycle

The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Key components of the water cycle include:

  1. Evaporation: Water changing from liquid to gas, gaining energy from the sun.
  2. Transpiration: Evaporation of water from plants.
  3. Condensation: Water changing from gas to liquid, forming clouds in the atmosphere.
  4. Precipitation: Water falling from the atmosphere as rain, snow, or other forms.
  5. Infiltration: Water soaking into the ground.
  6. Surface Runoff: Water flowing from land into oceans.

Example: Transpiration from leaves, condensation forming clouds, and precipitation falling as rain are all visible parts of the water cycle we can observe in our daily lives.

Understanding the water cycle is essential for comprehending how water moves through the Earth system and influences climate patterns.

EARTH'S
CHANGING
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Weather - Temporary behavior of atmosphere (what's going on at any certain
time). It involves small geo

View

The Atmosphere

The atmosphere is a crucial component of Earth's climate system, consisting of a mixture of gases surrounding our planet.

Layers of the Atmosphere

The atmosphere is divided into five distinct layers, each with unique properties:

  1. Exosphere 400+kmaltitude400+ km altitude: The outermost layer with low atmospheric pressure and temperature.
  2. Thermosphere 80400km80-400 km: Includes part of the ionosphere and experiences temperature increases with altitude.
  3. Mesosphere 5080km50-80 km: Located between the stratosphere and ionosphere.
  4. Stratosphere 1050km10-50 km: Characterized by a slight temperature increase with altitude and absence of clouds.
  5. Troposphere 010km0-10 km: The lowest layer where weather and clouds occur.

Vocabulary: The ionosphere is a part of the upper atmosphere that is ionized by solar radiation. It plays a crucial role in radio wave propagation.

Highlight: Understanding the layers of atmosphere is crucial for comprehending how different atmospheric processes influence weather and climate patterns.

Air Masses and Fronts

Air masses are large bodies of air with specific temperature and moisture characteristics. They can be warm or cold and contain varying amounts of moisture. Fronts are the boundaries where different air masses meet, leading to weather changes.

There are four types of fronts:

  1. Warm front
  2. Cold front
  3. Occluded front
  4. Stationary front

Each type of front can bring different kinds of weather conditions.

Air Pressure and Winds

Air pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the atmosphere on the Earth's surface. It is measured using a barometer. Changes in air pressure can indicate upcoming weather patterns:

  • Falling air pressure often signals stormy weather
  • Rising air pressure typically indicates fair weather
  • Steady air pressure suggests no significant change

Winds are created by differences in air pressure, moving from areas of high pressure to low pressure. The greater the pressure difference, the faster the wind blows. Wind speed and direction are measured using wind vanes and anemometers.

Example: The Beaufort Wind Scale is a tool used to estimate wind speed based on observed conditions, such as the movement of trees or waves on water.

Understanding these atmospheric processes is essential for predicting and understanding weather patterns and long-term climate trends.

EARTH'S
CHANGING
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Weather - Temporary behavior of atmosphere (what's going on at any certain
time). It involves small geo

View

Oceans and Humidity

Ocean Currents and Climate

Ocean currents play a significant role in shaping Earth's climate by affecting the temperature of the land they pass by:

  • Cold ocean currents have a cooling effect on nearby land areas
  • Warm ocean currents have a warming effect on adjacent regions

These temperature changes influence air pressure, which in turn creates winds. The winds then carry these cooling or warming effects over land, impacting regional climates.

Highlight: The interaction between ocean currents and atmospheric circulation is a key factor in Earth's changing climate, influencing both local and global weather patterns.

Relative Humidity and Dew Point

Relative humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture in the air compared to what the air could hold at a given temperature. It is expressed as a percentage, with 100% indicating saturated air.

Key points about relative humidity:

  • It is controlled by temperature
  • Warm air can hold more moisture than cool air
  • As air warms, relative humidity decreases
  • As air cools, relative humidity increases

Definition: The dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated 100100% relative humidity and water vapor begins to condense into liquid water.

Understanding relative humidity and dew point is crucial for predicting precipitation and other weather phenomena, which in turn influence long-term climate patterns.

Example: On a humid day, you might notice water droplets forming on the outside of a cold glass. This occurs when the air near the glass cools to its dew point, causing water vapor to condense.

By comprehending these complex interactions between the sun, water cycle, atmosphere, and oceans, we can better understand the factors driving Earth's changing climate and the potential impacts of climate change on our planet's ecosystems and human societies.

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Earth and Space Science

146

Sep 13, 2023

5 pages

Why the Earth Changes: Climate Causes and Atmosphere Layers for Kids

Earth's changing climate is influenced by various factors including the sun, water cycle, atmosphere, and oceans. This comprehensive guide explores how these elements interact to shape our planet's weather patterns and long-term climate trends. It covers key concepts such as... Show more

EARTH'S
CHANGING
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Weather - Temporary behavior of atmosphere (what's going on at any certain
time). It involves small geo

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Weather vs. Climate

Weather and climate are closely related but distinct concepts in Earth science.

Weather refers to the temporary behavior of the atmosphere in a small geographic area. It can change rapidly and is studied by meteorologists. Climate, on the other hand, describes the long-term behavior of the atmosphere over a large geographic area, typically observed over 100+ years.

Definition: Meteorology is the study of weather, and a person who studies weather is called a meteorologist.

Types of Climate

The Earth is divided into three main climate zones:

  1. Polar 90°60°latitude90° - 60° latitude: Characterized by cool summers and cold year-round temperatures.
  2. Temperate 60°30°latitude60° - 30° latitude: Features true seasons, moderate precipitation, and a variety of climate patterns.
  3. Tropical 30°equator30° - equator: No winter, warm year-round with high temperatures, rainfall, and humidity.

Highlight: Understanding the 4 climate zones includingthedryclimatezoneincluding the dry climate zone is crucial for comprehending global climate patterns and their changes over time.

Factors Affecting Weather and Climate

Four main factors influence Earth's weather and climate:

  1. The Sun
  2. The Water Cycle
  3. The Atmosphere
  4. The Ocean

These factors interact in complex ways to shape our planet's climate system.

EARTH'S
CHANGING
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Weather - Temporary behavior of atmosphere (what's going on at any certain
time). It involves small geo

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Sun and Water Cycle

The Sun's Influence

The sun plays a crucial role in shaping Earth's climate:

  • It warms the atmosphere and oceans
  • Creates climate zones
  • Keeps the water cycle going
  • Affects weather patterns

Highlight: The sun's energy is the primary driver of Earth's climate system, influencing everything from temperature patterns to atmospheric circulation.

The Water Cycle

The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Key components of the water cycle include:

  1. Evaporation: Water changing from liquid to gas, gaining energy from the sun.
  2. Transpiration: Evaporation of water from plants.
  3. Condensation: Water changing from gas to liquid, forming clouds in the atmosphere.
  4. Precipitation: Water falling from the atmosphere as rain, snow, or other forms.
  5. Infiltration: Water soaking into the ground.
  6. Surface Runoff: Water flowing from land into oceans.

Example: Transpiration from leaves, condensation forming clouds, and precipitation falling as rain are all visible parts of the water cycle we can observe in our daily lives.

Understanding the water cycle is essential for comprehending how water moves through the Earth system and influences climate patterns.

EARTH'S
CHANGING
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Weather - Temporary behavior of atmosphere (what's going on at any certain
time). It involves small geo

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Atmosphere

The atmosphere is a crucial component of Earth's climate system, consisting of a mixture of gases surrounding our planet.

Layers of the Atmosphere

The atmosphere is divided into five distinct layers, each with unique properties:

  1. Exosphere 400+kmaltitude400+ km altitude: The outermost layer with low atmospheric pressure and temperature.
  2. Thermosphere 80400km80-400 km: Includes part of the ionosphere and experiences temperature increases with altitude.
  3. Mesosphere 5080km50-80 km: Located between the stratosphere and ionosphere.
  4. Stratosphere 1050km10-50 km: Characterized by a slight temperature increase with altitude and absence of clouds.
  5. Troposphere 010km0-10 km: The lowest layer where weather and clouds occur.

Vocabulary: The ionosphere is a part of the upper atmosphere that is ionized by solar radiation. It plays a crucial role in radio wave propagation.

Highlight: Understanding the layers of atmosphere is crucial for comprehending how different atmospheric processes influence weather and climate patterns.

Air Masses and Fronts

Air masses are large bodies of air with specific temperature and moisture characteristics. They can be warm or cold and contain varying amounts of moisture. Fronts are the boundaries where different air masses meet, leading to weather changes.

There are four types of fronts:

  1. Warm front
  2. Cold front
  3. Occluded front
  4. Stationary front

Each type of front can bring different kinds of weather conditions.

Air Pressure and Winds

Air pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the atmosphere on the Earth's surface. It is measured using a barometer. Changes in air pressure can indicate upcoming weather patterns:

  • Falling air pressure often signals stormy weather
  • Rising air pressure typically indicates fair weather
  • Steady air pressure suggests no significant change

Winds are created by differences in air pressure, moving from areas of high pressure to low pressure. The greater the pressure difference, the faster the wind blows. Wind speed and direction are measured using wind vanes and anemometers.

Example: The Beaufort Wind Scale is a tool used to estimate wind speed based on observed conditions, such as the movement of trees or waves on water.

Understanding these atmospheric processes is essential for predicting and understanding weather patterns and long-term climate trends.

EARTH'S
CHANGING
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Weather - Temporary behavior of atmosphere (what's going on at any certain
time). It involves small geo

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Oceans and Humidity

Ocean Currents and Climate

Ocean currents play a significant role in shaping Earth's climate by affecting the temperature of the land they pass by:

  • Cold ocean currents have a cooling effect on nearby land areas
  • Warm ocean currents have a warming effect on adjacent regions

These temperature changes influence air pressure, which in turn creates winds. The winds then carry these cooling or warming effects over land, impacting regional climates.

Highlight: The interaction between ocean currents and atmospheric circulation is a key factor in Earth's changing climate, influencing both local and global weather patterns.

Relative Humidity and Dew Point

Relative humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture in the air compared to what the air could hold at a given temperature. It is expressed as a percentage, with 100% indicating saturated air.

Key points about relative humidity:

  • It is controlled by temperature
  • Warm air can hold more moisture than cool air
  • As air warms, relative humidity decreases
  • As air cools, relative humidity increases

Definition: The dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated 100100% relative humidity and water vapor begins to condense into liquid water.

Understanding relative humidity and dew point is crucial for predicting precipitation and other weather phenomena, which in turn influence long-term climate patterns.

Example: On a humid day, you might notice water droplets forming on the outside of a cold glass. This occurs when the air near the glass cools to its dew point, causing water vapor to condense.

By comprehending these complex interactions between the sun, water cycle, atmosphere, and oceans, we can better understand the factors driving Earth's changing climate and the potential impacts of climate change on our planet's ecosystems and human societies.

EARTH'S
CHANGING
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Weather - Temporary behavior of atmosphere (what's going on at any certain
time). It involves small geo

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Earth's Changing Weather and Climate

Earth's climate system is a complex interplay of various factors, including the sun, water cycle, atmosphere, and oceans. This guide explores the differences between weather and climate, the types of climate zones, and the key factors influencing our planet's changing climate.

Key points:

  • Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate describes long-term patterns.
  • There are three main climate zones: polar, temperate, and tropical.
  • Factors affecting earth's changing climate include the sun, water cycle, atmosphere, and oceans.
  • Understanding these factors is crucial for comprehending climate change and its impacts.

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This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user