Book Description

The overall composition of the atmosphere is very consistent all around the world as a result of the high degree of mixing that takes place inside the atmosphere. This is due to the high quantity of mixing that occurs constantly throughout the atmosphere. The rotation of the Earth, which contributes to the mixing, causes the mixing to occur in a manner that may be thought of as horizontal. This is because the rotation of the Earth adds to the mixing. The warming of the surface of the Earth, which is generated by the radiation that comes from the sun, is the primary contributor to the phenomenon that is known as vertical mixing. Even though the rate of mixing in the oceans is much slower than the rate of mixing in the atmosphere, even this rate is sufficient to ensure that the overall composition of the seas stays essentially the same. Even though the rate of mixing in the atmosphere is much faster than the rate of mixing in the oceans, A parallel may be drawn between this and the way the atmosphere works. Having said that, certain regions of the atmosphere are not as well mixed as others, and it is in these areas that comparatively large variations in the bulk composition may be observed. These regions are comprised of: Convection, which occurs in the troposphere (Fig. 1.2), is responsible for the vast mixing of gases and particles that takes place there. This mixing is made possible by the fact that the troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere. Convective driving forces are always present in the atmosphere, and the most evident representation of these forces is in the form of thunderstorms. The surface of the Earth is heated by solar radiation, which in turn warms the air directly above it, which in turn produces convective mixing. Temperatures fall with increasing height in the troposphere