The atmosphere

Thermosphere Mesosphere Stratosphere Troposphere Least Dense

Two large isotopes of hydrogen fusing to form helium

CFCs x25000 CO2 x1 CH4 x25

A thin layer of gases surrounding the earth, held in place by gravity.

Provides gases for natural processes. Upper atmosphere absorbs UV, near infrared and visible light radiation. Aids transfer of water around the plant

The ozone, formed from O, O2 and O3

Prevents damaging solar wind/UV radiation from reaching earth by absorbing it in the various forms of oxygen.

It is converted to heat and re-emitted as infrared energy. Atmospheric gases absorb the infrared energy which increases the temperature of the atmosphere. The atmosphere emits the infrared energy which is absorbed by earths surface/troposphere.

Warm surface of earth heats the atmosphere above it and the heat is distributed to higher latitudes by winds

Winds blowing over the oceans creates currents. The currents distribute heat by carrying warm water from tropical areas to colder areas.

Controls the ease in which water can evaporate. Lower pressure means easier evaporation

Long wave and far infrared radiation

CO2, water vapour, CH4, NOx, CFCs

Combustion of fossil fuels, wood, ploughing soils increases, aerobic respiration CO2. Anaerobic respiration in rice padi fields/livestock intestines increases methane. O2 and N2 reacting at high temps and pressure in power stations/engines increases NOx CFCs, aerosols

Oxygen molecules absorb uv light which forms monotomic oxygen, monotomic oxygen and diatomic oxygen react to produce triatomic oxygen

Gases that are better at absorbing infrared radiation therefore warming the atmosphere

Sea level rise Animal hibernation shorter Animals migrating to colder areas Shorter or longer rainfall periods Bleaching of oceans Increased competition between species for food Ocean current changes Wind pattern changes Changes to the cyrosphere

Strong winds that blow from west to east along the upper troposphere, they control the movement of rain Caused by the difference in temp/density between air masses

Because the rotation of earth produces a coriolis force which causes winds to blow in a spiral fashion

They are moving more slowly in a more meandering path towards the equator because there is a smaller temperature different. basically temps in the north are warming which makes them more similar to temps at the equator so there is less different causing wind to move slower

Waves that are created by meandering winds, they carry cold air south and warm air north

Increased temps will increase evaporation so more precipitation. Air carrying water vapour may have to move to colder areas to allow it to cool enough to condense and fall as rain. Changes in wind patterns may cause increased rainfall in one area but less in another.

Reduction in the amount and duration of snow, less snow means less albedo so less reflection more absorption. Increased precipitation from increased evaporation may increase snowfall

The front of glaciers may melt faster than it moves forward so it will retreat up the valley. Meltwater can flow underneath a glacier lubricating it making it move faster.