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| 1.1 GENERAL The atmosphere is the envelope of air that surrounds the earth. Over one-half of the air, by weight, is within the lower 18,000 feet of the atmosphere; the remainder is spread out over a vertical distance in excess of 1,000 miles. No definite outer atmospheric boundary exists: the air particles become fewer with increasing altitude until they gradually overcome the earth's gravitational force and escape into space. The atmosphere rotates with the earth as a gaseous outer cover. Within the atmosphere, other air movement occurs. Differences in the temperature of the earth's surface affect the density of the atmosphere and cause a continuous internal air movement called circulation. The force of this circulation varies between breezes and winds. The latter can have forces that range from mild to gales, hurricanes, and typhoons. |
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Last Updated: January 10, 2009