Transcript Interaction Between Sun, Ocean & Weather Notes

The Sun,
Earth,
and
Weather
TEKS 8.10A recognize that
the sun provides the
energy that drives
convection within the
atmosphere and ocean,
producing winds and ocean
currents
Several components combine
to create weather…
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Humidity
Air Density
Air Pressure
Air Masses
Winds
Proximity to an ocean
Latitude—which contributes to
temperature
The Sun is the
source of most
of the heat
energy on
Earth.
Energy from the
Sun travels through
space and enters
the Earth system
through the
atmosphere.
The heat energy
from the Sun
provides the “fuel”
for Earth’s
weather.
Since the Earth is
tilted on its axis,
areas of the
earth do not
receive heat
energy equally.
The equator
receives more
direct energy,
while the poles
receive much less.
This uneven
heating causes
differences in
temperature &
pressure of large
air masses…
…because of the
differences,
areas of warm
air rise while
the cooler air
sinks.
This pattern of
circulation; called
convection; creates
Earth’s weather.
The fact that land and
water absorb heat energy
at different rates also
creates temperature
differences between
coastal areas and areas
found more inland.