Assignment # 2

--> DUE in class on Wednesday, October 20 at 10:30 am
The first question is credit/no credit

1. What is the approximate title of you class project? Write approximately 50 words about your research plans. (The teaching team wants to know so we can make suggestions.)

2. (a) What does the term "effective radiating temperature" mean for a planet whose climate is in equilibrium?
(b) Why is Earth's climate system stable despite the influence of positive feedback cycles from water vapor and snow and ice?
(c) Why is the surface of venus so much warmer than the effective radiating temperature?

3. Answer critical thinking problem 5. Show all your work and identify the paradox of the faint young sun.

4. Answer critical thinking problem 6. Show all your work.

5. Earth's average surface temperature in the tropics is about 295K. Assuming the average lapse rate is 6K/km (recall this means the atmosphere decreases 6K for every km above the surface) and the planetary albedo A=0.3, at what altitude is the effective radiating temperature found? Show all your work.

6.  Sketch a map of Africa (hand drawn is fine) and show which areas you think would have high and low rainfall (include the time of year). Explain why. Think of at least two circulations we discussed in class to assist you.

7. Explain why the coriolis force is directed in the opposite sense in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. Explain why using words and diagrams as needed for the case of northward or southward motions.

8. Imagine that a low pressure system is due south of Seattle, and a high pressure system due north.  Assuming straight isobars and perfect geostrophic balance, which way is the wind blowing in
Seattle?  Include a force-balance diagram.

9. In your own words: Explain why Earth experiences different seasons throughout the year. Which parts of Earth experience seasons throughout the year. Which parts of Earth experience the greatest seasonal variability, and which parts experience the least?

10. Recall the hypothesis you gave to question 5 on the first assignment. Rewrite it here and explain whether it is correct using the concepts you have learned in chapter 4. If you forgot to give a hypothesis last time, give a correct one now and explain it.
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Contact the instructor at: atms211@atmos.washington.edu
Last Updated: 10/12/2004