Energy Transfer in the AtmosphereA. Some energy from the sun is reflected back into space,

some is absorbed by the atmosphere, and some is absorbed by land and water on Earth’s surface.

B. Heat – energy that flows from an object with a higher temperature to one with a lower temperature.

C. There are three types of heat transfer:1. Radiation – energy transferred in rays or waves2. Conduction – transfer of energy when molecules bump into

each other through contact3. Convection – transfer of heat by the flow of a material

a. In cold air, the molecules move closer together, making the air more dense, and air pressure rises.b. Cold air sinks, pushing warm air up, which then cools and sinks, forming a convection current.

Air MovementA. Flow of air is caused by solar radiation and the Coriolis

Effect1. Areas of the Earth receive different amounts of

radiation because earth is curved a. The equator receives more radiation b. Areas near the north and south, the

sun’s energy strikes at an angle, spreading out the energy

2. Coriolis Effect – the rotation of Earth causes moving air and water to appear to turn to the right north of the equator and to the left south of the equator

B. Belts of prevailing winds that distribute heat and moisture around the globe are called global winds.

1. Prevailing Westerlies2. Doldrums3. Trade Winds4. Polar Easterlies

C. Sea Breezes and Land Breezes 1. Sea Breeze – created during the day because

solar radiation warms the land more than watera. Air over land is heated by conduction and risesb. Cooler, denser air flows toward the warmer, dense airc. A convection current results, and wind blows from the sea toward the land

2. Land breeze – created at night, because land cools much more rapidly than ocean water

a. Cooler, denser air above land moves over waterb. Warm air over the water risesc. Wind blows from the land toward the sea