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Earth's Atmosphere and Climate

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Exploring the Earth's atmosphere reveals a complex layer of gases, including nitrogen and oxygen, that supports life and influences weather and climate. The sun drives the hydrologic cycle, affecting diverse climates and ecosystems. Human activities, such as pollution and deforestation, have significantly impacted Earth's environment, altering climate patterns and affecting biodiversity. This text delves into the atmospheric layers, the role of the sun in weather systems, the importance of the hydrologic cycle, and the profound influence of human actions on our planet.

The Composition and Structure of Earth's Atmosphere

Earth's atmosphere is a protective layer of gases that envelops our planet, extending from the ground to the expanse of space. At sea level, the atmospheric pressure is about 101.325 kPa, and the atmosphere decreases in density with altitude, a concept described by the scale height, which is around 8.5 km. The composition of the dry atmosphere is predominantly nitrogen (78.084%) and oxygen (20.946%), with argon (0.934%) and trace amounts of other gases like carbon dioxide, neon, and helium. Water vapor is also present, though its concentration varies significantly, averaging around 1% by volume. Clouds, which cover about two-thirds of Earth's surface at any given time, play a critical role in the Earth's climate and weather systems. The troposphere, the lowest atmospheric layer, is where most weather phenomena occur and its height ranges from approximately 8 km at the poles to 17 km at the equator, varying with latitude, weather, and seasonal factors. The composition of the atmosphere has evolved over billions of years, with the advent of oxygenic photosynthesis around 2.7 billion years ago marking a significant shift that led to the predominance of nitrogen and oxygen, enabling the proliferation of aerobic life and the formation of the protective ozone layer.
Green landscape with trees and hills, blue sky with cumulus clouds and rain in the distance, low sun radiating golden light.

Weather, Climate, and the Influence of the Sun

The Earth's atmosphere is integral to the dynamics of weather and climate. The troposphere, which holds about three-quarters of the atmosphere's mass, is the primary site for meteorological activity. This activity is driven by solar heating, which causes air to expand and circulate, redistributing heat and moisture around the globe. These atmospheric movements, along with ocean currents, contribute to the formation of various weather patterns and climatic zones. The Earth receives solar energy at an average rate of 1361 W/m², known as the solar constant, though this value diminishes with increasing latitude, influencing regional temperatures. Climate zones range from the consistently warm tropics to the frigid polar regions, with local climates further affected by factors such as proximity to bodies of water, atmospheric circulation patterns, and geographic features. Coastal regions, for instance, often experience different climates than inland areas at the same latitude due to the moderating influence of the ocean and prevailing winds.

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00

The layer of gases surrounding Earth, known as the ______, protects our planet and starts at the ground level, extending to outer space.

atmosphere

01

At the Earth's surface, specifically at sea level, the pressure of the atmosphere is approximately ______ kPa.

101.325

02

The advent of ______ photosynthesis around ______ billion years ago was a pivotal event that transformed the Earth's atmosphere, leading to the current dominance of nitrogen and oxygen.

oxygenic

2.7

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