Atmospheric Processes Affecting Climate (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Solar radiation

Energy from sun reaches Earth's surface, varying in intensity due to Earth's tilt and rotation

Heats equator more intensely than poles, creating temperature gradients

Initiates atmospheric processes such as atmospheric circulation and convection currents

Atmospheric circulation

Movement of air driven by solar heating and Earth's rotation, creating global wind patterns (Hadley, Ferrel and Polar cells), which transport heat and moisture

Convection currents

Vertical movement of air due to temperature differences, creating weather phenomena (e.g. thunderstorms and tropical cyclones)

Condensation and cloud formation

Atmospheric water vapour cools and condenses into liquid droplets or ice crystals

Forms clouds that affect weather by reflecting sunlight and trapping infrared radiation

Precipitation

Water droplets or ice crystals fall from clouds as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, depending on temperature and atmospheric conditions

Evaporation

Conversion of water from liquid to vapour phase due to heat, which then rises into the atmosphere

Greenhouse effect

Natural process where atmospheric gases in trap heat from sun, making Earth's temperature suitable for life

Anthropogenic activities increase concentration of greenhouse gases

Enhances greenhouse effect, increases average annual temperatures and impacts many of the atmospheric processes outlined above