In general, the temperature decreases with height in the atmosphere as it is heated from the bottom by the reflected terrestial radiation from the earth's surface (and not by the solar radiation directly).But the temperature raises in the stratosphere due to the absorption of the ultra-violet radiation of the sun by the ozone layer present there.
Similarly,the water vapour (and CO2) is a powerful absorber of the terrestial radiation and it traps the heat near the surface and keeps the lower layers of the atmosphere warm.Water vapour and other greenhouse gases along with cloudiness produce the greenhouse effect which affects the temperatures in the lower atmosphere.
Further ,the intensity of the incident solar radiation itself diminishes in passing through the atmosphere.Absorption and scattering by the molecule matter such as dust and smoke,and reflection from clouds if present,all share in reducing the intensity of the down-ward moving solar radiation.On reaching the surface,part of the radiation is absorbed by the surface,and part is reflected back into the space,the proportions depending upon the the nature of the surface,and the inclination of the incident solar beam.
Solar radiation that is absorbed at the earth's surface is transferred into heat.Part of this heat energy is radiated out to space as long-wave radiation,part carried upward as sensible heat by convection and tubulent eddies and part absorbed in evaporation processes from water surfaces.The remaining heat only penetrates downward and raises the temperature of the surface.
Thus ,the temperatures of the lower atmosphere are affected.The combined effect of all these factors mentioned above contribute to the changes in the temperature of the atmosphere.
2007-11-29 03:14:54
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answer #2
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answered by Arasan 7
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maybe caused by global warming
cause it heats
up the teperature
and causes the ice to melt and would
rise up the water level of the sea that
would rise and kill all of us, must be the same way of taking
care of our nature so photosynthesis would help the
temperature of earth
plant more trees so this wouldnt happen
(10 points needed)
2007-12-01 21:16:32
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answer #3
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answered by asshole im best 1
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