Chapter 3: Introduction to the Atmosphere
This chapter is a basic introduction to the several properties of the atmosphere. Air is the main composition of the atmosphere and contains the majority of Nitrogen gas for 78% and Oxygen gas for 21%. The rest comprises of other gases. Although the atmospheric mixture also constitutes particulates such as dust, smoke, pollens, ash and other industrial emission. The atmosphere can be divided into homosphere and heterosphere. Different gases are scattered uniformly throughout this layer, unlike the composition in the heterosphere where each gas is separated in each layer. Located on the topmost part of the atmosphere is where the ozone formation is activated. This chapter previews the succeeding topics about the behavior of the atmosphere.
UV Index is a standard measurement of the ultraviolet radiation strength from the sun in at a specific place and time. Following a linear scale, with higher values representing a stronger effect. A zero grading means no detection of UV radiation while a scale of 11 are often detected in tropical areas (World Health Organization). The scale is often accompanied by color to give an easier visual presentation of UV radiation reports. Green is used for zero radiation, whereas purple is for the highest grade of 11. It is important to constantly check the UV index to adjust our activities and protect ourselves from radiation. Such preventive measure would be applying lotions that could help minimize the effects of UV radiation on our skin. You may adjust your clothing depending on the UV Index. Wearing shades during high noon can also protect the eyes from radiation. It must also be noted that snow can double the effect of UV radiation as it reflects back most of the UV rays.
Reference
World Health Organization. 'WHO | UV Index'. N. p., 2014. Web. 28 Jun. 2014.
Chapter 4: Isolation and Temperature
In this chapter, it summarizes the behavior of heat in terms of source, reflectivity and effect on temperature. Energy from the Sun is seen as the major contributor of energy on Earth. As its energy reaches the surface in the form of electromagnetic waves, some are bounced back in the atmosphere and some are absorbed. This energy transfer can be done through Conduction, Convection and Advection. However due to the shape of the Earth and its rotation angle, there is a difference in energy received in some parts. This energy imbalance drives the ocean and atmospheric circulation, allowing energy to be distributed in other areas. But with an increase in global warming, this process has been disrupted.
With my personal take about global warming, I feel there should be greater attention to this alarming climate crisis. Global warming can disturb the ecological balance, since any changes in weather patterns can really affect vulnerable cities and human settlements. Animals and vegetation are also greatly affected by these changes. With the rate of melting glaciers and rising sea-level, animals would be able to adapt quickly and might drive them to extinction. Temperature could also trigger unwanted effect, causing animal death and destruction of farmlands. It must be remembered that CO2 emission contributes greatly to global warming and this is largely due to human activities. In order to mitigate global warming, reduction of carbon emission must be imposed in all countries since this is a global issue (Florides & Christodoulides). Each one must partake in conserving the environment and be conscious of the over-al impact of pollution to the environment. Nations must have the same direction of preserving the environment by cutting down carbon emission.
Reference
Florides, Georgios A, and Paul Christodoulides. 'Global Warming and Carbon Dioxide through Sciences'. Environment international 35.2 (2009): 390--401. Print.
Chapter 6: Atmospheric Moisture
In this chapter, Atmospheric Moisture, it discusses the different state of water. From its gaseous qualities through water vapor and as it accumulate as clouds. Moisture then transforms the state of water vapor into liquid water. Although when temperature drops below freezing point, water is turned into a solid state of snow, ice or glaciers. Behavior of water and its physical characteristic is different in each state. Another important from this chapter is the discussion about cloud formation. From the high clouds of Cirrus to the low clouds of Nimbostratus, each one has different forms and behaves differently. As the clouds go lower to the ground, it means they have more density and may include moisture that would eventually turn into rain. The formation of precipitation in clouds is also included, condensation involves collision of water vapor and eventually clumping together to form moisture inside the clouds. For snow and ice crystal, Bergeron process happens in transforming liquid water into snow and ice crystals. Acid Rain is also discussed due to the rise of sulfur and nitric acid. Water cycle is also seen on my illustration below (Jaeger). It summarizes the water cycle from the major processes of evaporation, condensation and precipitation.
Reference
Jaeger, Peter. 'The Water Cycle: Precipitation, Condensation, and Evaporation - Intro to Natural Sciences Video'. Education Portal. N. p., 2014. Web. 2 Jul. 2014.
Chapter 7: Transient Atmospheric Flows and Disturbances
This chapter gives importance to studying the behavior of the atmosphere in terms of its formation, behavior and effect. Atmospheric behavior can be studied first it the formation of air masses through continental or maritime sauce. This formation has direct effects on humidity, temperature and stability of the weather or climate of an area or region. Atmospheric pattern can also create disturbances with magnitude enough to destroy infrastructure and endanger lives. It includes storms, tropical cyclones, thunderstorms and tornadoes. Cyclones or hurricanes are characterized by low pressure, heavy precipitation and fastest wind speed. Thunderstorms are characterized by violent thunders and lightning storms and sometimes accompanied by heavy hail storms. Tornadoes on the other hand is a wind formation usually in funnel shape and spinning at 300+ mph.
One example of extreme weather event happened in the Philippines with typhoon Haiyan. This typhoon is considered to be the strongest to ever landfall. With storm strength of Category 5 and wind gust of 235 miles per hour, this tropical cyclone devastated the islands in the Philippines (Beard). The typhoon hit the Island of Samar Island with a storm surge that created 13 feet of waves. But the formation of this typhoon happened along the Pacific Ocean as it gained momentum and heads over the Philippines. It was reported that 6,201 lives were lost from the typhoon and 1,785 others are still missing. Five million people are affected with the loss of their houses and 14 million people are affected across the country (Dec.org.uk). To stay safe during this kind of typhoon, families must move to a safer and higher ground prior to the typhoon landfall. Local government must coordinate this movement and educate those near the coastal region about sea surge. It is in preparation that people can minimize the damage cause by natural event such as typhoons.
(National Geographic)
(The Guardian)
Reference
Beard, Katherine. 'Super Typhoon Haiyan Pelts The Philippines With 235-Mph Winds - US News'. US News & World Report. N. p., 2013. Web. 28 Jun. 2014.
Dec.org.uk. 'Facts And Figures | Disasters Emergency Committee'. N. p., 2014. Web. 28 Jun. 2014.
National Geographic. Typhoon Haiyan. 2013. Web. 28 Jun. 2014.
The Guardian. Tacloban. 2013. Web. 28 Jun. 2014.
Chapter 9: Conserving Water
In this particular chapter, water as an integral part of life on earth. And water consists of ocean waters, glacial ice, freshwater and sub-surface water. Freshwater consists small percentage of water on Earth and considered the most vulnerable due to pollution and other human activity (National Geographic).
In order to apply the teachings and lessons from this particular chapter, I have to re-evaluate my lifestyle and be conscious about how I use water in our house, more particularly on the use of tap water from the faucets. I have become aware to close the handle whenever I am not using them. For example, whenever I try to brush my teeth before I would let the water run continuously on the faucet until I finish brushing and flossing my teeth. But after being aware of the importance of conserving water, I try to close the faucet whenever I am brushing my teeth and not using the water to rinse my brush or use to water to gargle and wash my mouth. Conserving water is also applicable in washing clothes. In order to efficiently use water in washing clothes, we made sure to do them in bulk rather than in small quantities. Even for a week, the effect of conserving water has substantially decreased our water bills. This change is not only applied to me, but to the other members of our household. I tried to explain to each one of them about the importance of conserving water and its over-all impact in the water supply. We plan to continue this change in the long run as it proves to be beneficial not only to the environment but also contribute in decreasing our monthly bills.
Reference
National Geographic. 'National Geographic Freshwater 101: Pollution'. N. p., 2013. Web. 2 Jul. 2014.
