Analyse and interpret 1. Graph your results. 2. Compare the temperatures inside and outside the conical flask at the end of the experiment. Was there a difference between the temperatures inside and outside the conical flask? Can you explain this difference?
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3. The aluminium foil reflected the heat and light. What reflects the heat and light of the sun on Earth? 4. Does this experiment tell you anything about the greenhouse effect? Discuss your findings with your class.
Wind and ocean currents The second factor in Earth’s climate system is the way in which heat is transferred from the equator to the poles. The heat is carried by air moving as wind and by ocean currents. At the equator warm air rises and drifts to the poles while cooler air falls and moves in the opposite direction. Ocean currents like the Gulf Stream affect the climate in Ireland. Cold water from the North Atlantic sinks and moves down towards the equator, while warm water moves up from the Gulf of Mexico to replace it. This brings warmth to northwest Europe as the warmer ocean heats the air passing over it. This is why Ireland has such a mild climate for its latitude. Many places at the same latitude such as Edmonton in Canada or far eastern Russia have much more extreme weather.
Fig. 3 The Gulf Stream. The Ozone layer
Earth is surrounded by a layer of gases called the atmosphere. It is made up mainly of nitrogen and oxygen. It protects Earth from the sun’s harmful radiation and keeps the planet warm enough for life to exist. The ozone layer is a part of the atmosphere. It contains ozone (O3
) and protects Earth by
absorbing most of the sun’s harmful radiation. Over the last few decades this natural shield has been damaged by man-made chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs, allowing more of the sun’s energy to reach Earth. This contributes to global warming.
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Ozone layer A part of the atmosphere that protects Earth by absorbing most of the sun’s harmful radiation.
