Atmosphere KUD

Know
Electromagnetic Radiation
Earths global climate systems energy source is electromagnetic
radiation from the sun. (HS-ESS2-2) (Atmo 1)
Electromagnetic radiation can be modeled as waves that can be
described using the following measurements (Atmo 2)

Wavelength, (m) (MS-PS4-1)

Amplitude, a (m) (MS-PS4-1)

Understand

Do

Electromagnetic Radiation

Electromagnetic Radiation

Earths global weather and climate

is a changing system that ultimately
derives the majority of its energy
from the sun.

Velocity, v (m/s) (MS-PS4-1)

Frequency, f (s-1 or Hz) (MS-PS4-1)

Energy can be reflected, absorbed, stored, and redistributed among
the atmosphere, ocean, and land systems, and re-radiated into space
(HS-ESS2-2:D) through the following: (Atmo 3)

Conduction is heat energy that is transmitted by point-to-point

contact with neighboring molecules. Ex: Solids are good
conductors while fluids and gases (e.g. the atmosphere) are poor
conductors. (MS-PS4-2)

Convection is heat energy that is transmitted by molecules

moving from one place to another. Ex. Fluids and gases (e.g.
atmosphere) but not solids. (MS-PS4-2)

Radiation is heat energy that is transmitted without involvement of

a physical substance (e.g. solid, fluid or gas). Energy can be
transmitted through a vacuum (space) or a transparent medium
(atmosphere). (MS-PS4-2)

When light or longer wavelength electromagnetic radiation is

absorbed in matter, it is generally converted into thermal energy
(heat). Shorter wavelength electromagnetic radiation (ultraviolet,
X-rays, gamma rays) can ionize atoms and cause damage to
living cells. (HS-PS4-4)

Changing Composition of the Atmosphere

The atmosphere is composed of a variety of gases that interact to
alter our climate and weather. The atmosphere is composed of 78%
nitrogen, 21% oxygen and other molecules and elements (Ex. He,
CO2) (Atmo 4)
The atmosphere is broken into four layers, the Thermosphere,
Mesosphere, Stratosphere, Troposphere. (Atmo 5)
Carbon cycles through a variety of forms including CO2 which has
major implications for climate. (Atmo 6)
Carbon cycles through the ocean, atmosphere, soil, and biosphere
(through photosynthesis, cellular respiration and human activities) and
provides the foundation for living organisms. (Atmo 6) (HS-ESS2-6)
The chemical formulas for photosynthesis and cellular respiration are
inverse. (Atmo 6)
Gradual atmospheric changes were due to plants and other
organisms that captured carbon dioxide and released oxygen. (Atmo
7)
Changes in the atmosphere due to human activity have increased
carbon dioxide concentrations and thus affect climate.(Atmo 8)
Positive feedback is a process in which the effects of a small
disturbance on a system include an increase in the magnitude of the
original disturbance. (A produces more of B which in turn produces
more of A) (Atmo 9)
Negative feedback is a process in which the system can correct
itself, returning to an original state, after a disturbance. (Atmo 9)

Weather & Climate

Changes in the shape of Earths orbit around the sun and the tilt
of Earths axis have altered the intensity and distribution of
sunlight falling on the earth and caused a cycle of ice ages and
other changes in climate. (Atmo 10) (ESS1.B)

Climate can be changed by the amount of energy from the sun,

volcanic activity, ocean circulation, glaciers, plant life, and
human activities. These changes can occur on a variety of timescales from sudden (e.g., volcanic ash clouds) to intermediate
(ice ages) to very long-term tectonic cycles. (Atmo 10) (ESS2.A)

Climate changes (temperature or precipitation) can affect sea

level, glacial ice, atmospheric composition, or ocean
composition. (Atmo 11)

Human activities have a greater effect on climate now than ever

before (Atmo 11)

Changing Composition of the

Atmosphere
The many dynamic and delicate
feedbacks between the biosphere
and other Earth systems cause a
continual co-evolution of Earths
surface and the life that exists on it.
(ESS2E)

Atmo 1: Identify that the energy source for

Earths global climate system is the sun.
Atmo 2. Describe a model for waves that
includes how the amplitude, wavelength,
velocity and frequency are related to the
energy of a wave. (MS-PS4-1)
Atmo 3: Develop and explain a model
(diagram) to describe how energy, in the
forms of waves, can be reflected, absorbed,
stored, and redistributed among the
atmosphere, ocean, and land systems, and reradiated into space, through conduction,
convection and radiation.

Changing Composition of the Atmosphere

Atmo 4: Create a diagram (pie chart) that
identifies the gases that make up the
atmosphere and the approximate percentage
of each gas in the atmosphere.
Atmo 5: Identify the four major layers of the
atmosphere and identify one of their
characteristics
Atmo 6: Develop a model to describe the
cycling of carbon among the hydrosphere,
atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere. (HSESS2-6)
Atmo 7: Construct an argument based on
evidence about the simultaneous coevolution
of Earth's systems and life on Earth.
Atmo 8: Analyze current and past CO2 data
and Predict changes in future CO2 levels
based on current data.
Atmo 9: Model a positive and negative
feedback loop that relates to the carbon cycle
and connect these to human activities on
earth.

Weather & Climate

Earths global weather and climate
is a changing system that ultimately
derives the majority of its energy
from the sun.

Weather & Climate

Atmo 10: Use a model to describe how
variations in the flow of energy into and out of
Earths systems result in changes in
climate (For example: changes in surface
temperatures, precipitation patterns, glacial ice
volumes, sea levels, and biosphere
distribution) (HS-ESS2-4)
Atmo 11: Assess the potential impact of one
example of a climate change (temperature or
precipitation) on sea level, glacial ice,
atmospheric composition, or ocean
composition.(ESS3-5)