The atmospheric engine
Article Abstract:
The sun, with a temperature of 6,000 degrees Celsius, fuels the atmosphere and causes changes in the weather. Most of the sun's energy is contained in the visible portion of the spectrum of wavelengths that makes up solar radiation. Both the earth's surface and the clouds reflect approximately 33% of the solar radiation back to space, but the atmosphere absorbs about 22% of the solar radiation. The earth's surface absorbs about 25% of the solar energy, and clouds and atmospheric particles scatter 21% of the solar radiation.
Publication Name: Geographical Magazine
Subject: Petroleum, energy and mining industries
ISSN: 0016-741X
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Droplets to thunderstorms
Article Abstract:
The Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a semi-continuous layer of clouds, stretches across an area north of the equator. The ITCZ is formed by the meeting of the easterly trade winds of the two hemispheres. This causes air to rise and water vapor to condense. The air that rises in the ITCZ moves toward the poles and sinks, causing the formation of the Hadley Cell. The oceans have few condensation nuclei, but clouds form readily because of the oceans' moisture.
Publication Name: Geographical Magazine
Subject: Petroleum, energy and mining industries
ISSN: 0016-741X
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Tropical weather: predictable but hazardous
Article Abstract:
Atmospheric processes can cause extreme and hazardous weather conditions in tropical areas. The movement of the inter-tropical convergence zone can bring heavy storms due to solar heating, while the daily cycle of heating causes clouds to accumulate during daytime, which can bring heavy afternoon or evening showers. Subsiding air from the Hadley cells meets with uplift from solar heating, leading to stability in the atmosphere, with minimal precipitation.
Publication Name: Geographical Magazine
Subject: Petroleum, energy and mining industries
ISSN: 0016-741X
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Up for grabs; the fight is on for control of the meter in retail markets
- Abstracts: The labeling dilemma. Zedillo's revolution? The promise of the ISO
- Abstracts: The electric commute. Laying out how to plug in. The etiquette advantage
- Abstracts: A senior management approach to environmental due diligence. What if we had a microturbine
- Abstracts: Storm warning. Coal production and consumption to rise