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A balanced System
Examples of power in weather
Thunderstorms release as much energy as a small nuclear power plant An average hurricanes raw strength could power the U.S. for 100 years A tornado can throw a 20 ton railroad car
The atmosphere obtains heat from the solar energy that reaches the earth Some energy is absorbed and some is reflected back into space. Because of this, earth maintains a relatively constant average temperature
Length of day
Longer days of summer allow for more warmth Short days of winter inhibit insolation
Angle of rays
Direct sun rays cause increased insolation Angled sun rays produce less insolation
Containing heat
Moons temperature can fluctuate drastically:
Lunar night = -380F Lunar day = 250 F
Distributing heat
Conduction
Transfer of heat by direct contact Pan on a stove coil
Convection
Transfer of heat via currents Movement of heated air
Convection
Causes wind (horizontal air movement) Causes updrafts and downdrafts (vertical)
Decompression cooling
Adiabatic heating
Heat which occurs from pressurized gas Low altitudes are warm because of this
Adiabatic cooling
Cooling caused by gas dispersion High altitudes are cool
Convection Oven