The Atmosphere - Chapters

Chapter 4: Solar Radiation and Earth

• Nature of Radiation
• Solar Output and the Earth
• Earth Geometry and Motions
• Daily and Annual Cycles of Insolation

Chapter 5: Atmospheric Structure and Radiation Transfer

• Evolution of the Earth's Atmosphere
• Composition of the Atmosphere
• Atmospheric Layers
• Absorption, Reflection, and Scattering
• Surface Albedo and Insolation
• Global Radiation Transfers 
• The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming

Chapter 6: Energy, Temperature, and Heat

• Radiation Transfer and Temperature
• Measurement of Surface Air Temperature
• Factors Influencing Air Temperature
• Cycles of Air Temperature
• Global Temperature Patterns
• The Global Heat Balance 

Chapter 7: Atmospheric Pressure and Wind

• Atmospheric Pressure
• Wind
• Surface and Upper Air Winds
• Local and Regional Wind Systems
• Models of Global Circulation
• Actual Global Surface Circulation
• Upper Atmosphere Circulation and Jet Streams

Chapter 8: Thunderstorms, Mid-Latitude Cyclones and Hurricanes

• Storms of Various Sizes
• Thunderstorms
• Air Masses and Transitional Fronts
• Mid-Latitude Cyclones
• Tropical Weather and Hurricanes

Chapter 9: Climatic Regions and Climate Change

• The Diversity of Climates
• Climate Classification 
• Natural Variability of the Earth's Climate
• Causes of Climate Change
• Human-caused Climate Change

Chapter 10: Weather Forecasting and Analysis

• History of Weather Forecasting
• Forecasting Methods
• Types of Forecasts
• Data Acquisition and Dissemination
• How Forecasts Are Assembled
• Forecast Procedures and Products