The Sun is the main source of energy for heating the surface of the Earth. Sun is constantly radiating heat energy into space which is known as Solar radiation. The incoming solar radiation which reaches the surface of the Earth is called insulation. The Earth�s surface is solid absorbs the incoming solar radiation. Let us learn about how is the atmosphere heated

How Is The Atmosphere Heated?

The air, resting over the surface of the Earth is heated by contact and other methods such as Conduction, Convection, Radiation, and Advection.

Have you wondered why Earth is said to have the most suitable environment feasible for varieties of life? On Earth, the atmospheric temperature is maintained and temperature distribution is achieved.

Let us see some methods through which Earth's atmosphere is heated.

Conduction
When two bodies having unequal temperatures come in contact with one another, the heat energy flows from the hotter body to the cooler body. This transfer of heat is called conduction. Conduction continues till both the bodies attain the same temperature or when the contact is broken.

So how does it heat up the land?

The land surface is heated up after absorbing solar radiation. The air resting upon the warmer Earth�s surface is heated by the process of Conduction. Conduction is important in the lower layer of the atmosphere where the air is in direct contact with the surface of the Earth.

Radiation

Radiation is the transmission of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves.
The Sun radiates heat energy in the form of short waves, whereas the radiation from the Earth is in the form of long waves. The atmosphere behaves like a transparent medium for short-wave solar radiation. Thus, solar radiation is not capable of heating the atmosphere directly and is received by the Earth in the form of insolation. After receiving insolation, the surface of the Earth is heated and becomes a radiating body.

Do you know what is terrestrial radiation is?

The radiation of heat energy from the surface of the Earth is in the form of long waves, known as terrestrial radiation.

After sunset, insolation ceases but the Earth�s surface continues to radiate heat energy even during the night. Thus the atmosphere is heated by terrestrial radiation and not by incoming solar radiation.

Advection

Sometimes the air masses move from one region to another along with the winds. These winds carry the temperature of one place to another. The air temperature of a place thus rises or falls depending upon whether the wind is coming from a warm or a cool area. This process of horizontal transfer of heat by the wind is known as advection.

Compression

When the air current descends, it presses the lower layer of the atmosphere. Due to this pressure and the increasing weight of the upper layers, the lower layer of the atmosphere gets heated. This is termed Compression.

Questions

1. The radiation of heat energy from the surface of the Earth is in the form of which type of waves?
(i) Short wave
(ii) Radio wave
(iii) Medium Wave
(iv) Long wave

2. The transfer of heat energy from the hotter body to the cooler body is termed as?
(i) Convection
(ii) Advection
(iii) Compression
(iv) Conduction

3. What is the transmission of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves?
(i) Convection
(ii) Advection
(iii) Compression
(iv) Radiation

4. The process of horizontal transfer of heat by the wind is known as
(i) Convection
(ii) Radiation
(iii) Compression
(iv) Advection

5. Which of these acts as a transparent medium for short-wave solar radiation?
(i) Sun
(ii) Wind
(iii) Water
(iv) Atmosphere

Read More: Temperature Distribution On Earth: Latitude, Altitude, Currents & Others