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G. The
Greenhouse Effect:
The sun's ultraviolet rays are absorbed by the Earth.
Later the rays are radiated back in the form of infrared
rays. Infrared rays are not like ultraviolet
rays. Infrared rays cannot pass through the
atmosphere. carbon Dioxide (CO2) and other gases in
the atmosphere absorb the infrared rays, forming a "heat
blanket" around the Earth. This Greenhouse Effect
makes the Earth warm enough for us to live.
As
humans use more fossil fuels (gas, coal, oil) more carbon
dioxide is produced and released in the atmosphere.
The more carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, the greater the
temperatures on the Earth.
H. Temperature
Variations: The angle at which the sun's rays strike
the surface is not the same everywhere on Earth. The
equator receives the most direct sunlight, therefore having
the highest temperature. The farther away from the
equator, the less radiant energy is received. The rays
become less direct and the result is less heat and lower
temperature. This is why Michigan has cooler
temperatures than South America.
I.
Measuring Temperatures:
Thermometers are filled with mercury or alcohol. When
the liquid is heated, it expands, or takes up more
space. (The
mercury rises) When
the liquid is cooled it contracts, or takes up less space.
(The mercury falls)
-Celsius
Scale:
100 degrees celsius is the
boiling point of water.
-0 degrees celsius is
the freezing point of water.
-37 degrees celsius is normal body temperature.
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