Purpose:

In addition, the role that the atmosphere plays in regulating temperature on the Earth and the factors that result in seasonal variations in climate and weather will also be explored.

To Successfully Complete This Unit You Should:

1. Be able to distinguish between primary, secondary and tertiary atmospheres.
2. Be able to summarize the factors that were important in the evolution of a planet's atmosphere.
3. Be able to summarize the evolution of the Earth's atmosphere and explain why it is unique in the solar system. (30 point essay question*)
4. Be able to express an understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum.
5. Be able to describe the structure of the Earth's atmosphere and its importance in regulating temperatures on the surface of the Earth.
6. Be able to describe the origin of the ozone layer and its importance.
7. Be able to summarize the greenhouse model and its potential relationship to climate change.
8. Be able to explain the causes of the seasons
9. Be able to summarize the properties of cold and warm air masses.
10. Be able to summarize the three cell model of planet circulation and explain how it combined with the Earth's rotation gives rise to prevailing winds. (30 point essay question*) Note: You will be asked to answer questions about Figure 17.5 in the first edition and Figure 17.6 in the second. You should know the latitudes for each of the 3 cells, the location and latitude of the Equatorial Low, Sub-tropical High, Sub-polar Low and Polar High. You should also know which prevailing wind system is associated with each cell. That information is included in the tutorial for this objecitve.)

    *Note: You will be required to write a 30 point essay on only one of the two objectives indicated above.

Complete the Practice Quiz at the end of the unit. This quiz is ungraded.

Complete the Unit Exam. The recommended deadline for this unit is