2. The air in our atmosphere has some
variable components to it as well. This
includes water vapor, dust particles, and
ozone. They are present in small
percentages but they can have significant
effects in weather and climate. (Tarbuck
et al, 2001). The composition of air is
not constant. It can vary from time to
time and place to place.

3. Water Vapor
The amount of water in the atmosphere varies between 1
and 4%. Why is such a small amount such a big deal?
Water vapor is the source of all clouds and precipitation,
and often that is the most common reason people think of
for water. But water does other things too. It has the
ability, like carbon dioxide, to absorb heat energy given off
by the Earth. It can also absorb solar energy. When water
changes from one state to another it absorbs or releases
heat. This heat is often called latent (hidden) heat. This is
the energy source that helps drive a lot of storms.

5. Aerosols
Microscopic particles which are suspended in the air
which comes from natural and human made and include sea
salts from breaking waves, fine soil blown into the air, smoke
and soot from fires, pollen and microorganisms, and ash and
dust from volcanic eruptions. Aerosols are important
because they as surfaces on which water vapor can
condense, an important function in the formation of clouds
and fog. Aerosols can absorb or reflect incoming solar
radiation. When an air pollution episode is occurring or
when ash fills the sky after volcanic eruption, the amount of
sunlight reaching the earth’s surface can be reduced. Lastly,
aerosols contribute to an optical phenomenon- the varied
hues of red and orange at sunrise and sunset.

7. • Ozone or (O3)
Ozone is a form of oxygen
that combines three oxygen
atoms into one molecule.
In the lowest portion of the
atmosphere ozone represents
less than one part in 100
million. It is concentrated well
above the surface in the
stratosphere between 10 to 50
kilometers. Ozone absorbs
the harmful ultraviolet
radiation from the sun.

8. Presented by:
Jhunisa Ann P. Agustin
BSED 4E