How Energy Moves
What is the source of energy for Earth's atmosphere?
The Sun
What is conduction?
The transfer of heat through direct contact
Why is the atmosphere important for life on Earth?
It provides oxygen and protects from harmful radiation
What is wind?
The movement of air from high to low pressure
What causes ocean currents?
Wind, Earth's rotation, and temperature differences
How does the sun's energy reach Earth?
Through radiation in the form of sunlight
What is convection?
The transfer of heat through the movement of fluids
How does the atmosphere help regulate temperature?
It absorbs and redistributes heat
What causes wind to blow?
Differences in air pressure
How do currents affect climate?
They redistribute heat across the globe
What happens to sunlight when it reaches Earth's surface?
It is absorbed, reflected, or scattered
What is radiation?
The transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves
Name one gas in the atmosphere that is essential for life.
Oxygen
How does temperature affect wind speed?
Warmer air rises, causing faster winds
What role do currents play in redistributing heat?
They move warm water from the equator toward the poles
How does energy move through the atmosphere.
Through convection currents
How does the greenhouse effect relate to heat transfer?
It traps heat in the atmosphere, warming the Earth
What would happen if there were no atmosphere?
Life would be impossible due to extreme temperatures and radiation
How does the sun influence wind patterns?
It heats the Earth unevenly, creating pressure differences
Name the major ocean current that starts in the Gulf of America.
The Gulf Stream
Explain how energy is transferred from the sun to the ocean.
The sun heats the ocean surface, transferring energy to the water
Why is heat transfer important for weather patterns?
It influences temperature and climate changes
How does the atmosphere protect life on Earth?
By filtering harmful solar radiation and maintaining temperature
What are trade winds?
Persistent winds that blow from east to west near the equator
How do ocean currents influence weather in different regions?
They can cause variations in temperature and precipitation patterns