Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
KEY POINTS
1
Energy is the driving force of all the processes operating in the global system. It performs the work in
processes such as moving rocks, eroding valleys, lifting mountains and making water flow, the wind blow
and plants grow. This work is performed through the transfer and transformation of energy. These
transformations tend to follow well defined routes.
2
The work is carried out because of differences in the energy status of different objects or conditions.
Inequalities in the distribution of available energy (that which is capable of performing work) lead to energy
transfers; in the course of these transfers work is done. The energy involved in the transfers is not destroyed;
it merely changes form.
3
The energy transfers that operate in the global system derive from the inequalities in inputs and outputs
across the world. On a global scale, they involve the movement of energy as sensible heat and latent heat
by the atmosphere and as sensible heat by the oceans.
4
At a more detailed level, these transfers permeate every part of the global system. They involve transfers
from rocks to soil, from soil to plants, from plants to animals and the atmosphere; in fact all the components
of the world are interconnected by these transfers. They also involve transformations of energy from one
state to another.
5
Together these transfers and transformations provide the power for all the processes operating in our
environment. They bind the global system into a unified whole. They are the lifeblood of our planet.
FURTHER READING
Ahrens, C. D. (2006) Meteorology Today, eighth edition, Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks-Cole
(chapters 1
and
2).
A modern and
very colourful meteorology text at an elementary level.
Peixoto, J. P. and Oort, A. H. (1992) Physics of Climate, New York: American Institute of Physics. An advanced text for
those with an understanding of mathematics and physics. It sets out to explain the principles of climate in physical
terms as a basis for atmospheric modelling.
Robinson, P. J. and Henderson-Sellers, A. (1999) Contemporary Climatology, second edition, Harlow: Pearson
(chapters
1
and
2).
Written as an introductory text for geography and environmental scientists, it provides a good foundation in
the area of energy and radiation flows.
WEB RESOURCES
http://visibleearth.nasa.gov/ an
d
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/ Tw
o interlinked sites provided by NASA. Give a range
of information about the atmosphere and its properties. Clouds, hurricanes and land use changes can be seen.
http://www.ucar.edu/learn/ In
tended as a teaching manual, information is available about the atmosphere, principles of
climate, greenhouse effect and global climate change.
