The structure of the atmosphere is described in the next section. The weather we experience at the land surface is largely determined by the interaction of different wavelengths of incoming solar radiation with the atmosphere. Solar radiation supplies the energy necessary for cloud formation, precipitation, and local weather conditions. The relatively pleasant average global temperature of 15 o C is a direct result of two factors. Firstly, visible light is converted to heat when solar radiation strikes Earth's surface.
All planets have atmospheres but the specific mix of gases in earth's atmosphere is termed air .
Concentrations of gases in dry air in the earth's atmosphere. Gases in green are greenhouse gases. Heat energy is transferred through the atmosphere as water changes from one state to another. Heat is absorbed in processes such as melting, sublimation, and evaporation. In contrast, heat is lost to the atmosphere during freezing, condensation, and precipitation.