General Astronomy - Earth's Atmospheric Structure and Magnetic Field

Explore Earth's atmospheric layers and magnetic field in this comprehensive lecture. Delve into the structure of the atmosphere, examining the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere. Understand global wind patterns, atmospheric heating, and the Coriolis effect. Learn why the sky appears blue and compare Earth's atmosphere to other planets. Investigate magnetospheres, aurorae, and the Earth's magnetic dynamo. Discover the phenomenon of magnetic field reversal and its implications. Conclude with a concept check to reinforce your understanding of these crucial planetary science topics.

Intro
THE STRUCTURE OF THE ATMOSPHERE
THE TROPOSPHERE
GLOBAL WIND PATTERNS
ATMOSPHERIC HEATING
THE CORIOLIS EFFECT
THE STRATOSPHERE
THE MESOSPHERE
THE THERMOSPHERE
WHY THE SKY IS BLUE
COMPARATIVE ATMOSPHERIC STRUCTURES
MAGNETOSPHERES
AURORAE
MAGNETIC DYNAMO
MAGNETIC FIELD REVERSAL
EARTH'S MAGNETIC FIELD
CONCEPT CHECK 9-6