The Coriolis effect explains the influence of the Earth's rotation from west to east upon bodies of air moving on the Earth's surface. Atmospheric disturbances such as storms result from the interactions of various types of air masses and weather systems. Introduction Due to the Earth's atmosphere we have a comparatively uniform temperature. The radiation from the Sun is intercepted in such a manner that the Earth becomes neither excessively hot nor too cold, as would be the case if there were no atmosphere. At night the air acts as a blanket that retains the heat of the Earth.
Clouds also blanket the Earth, preventing severe extremes of temperature.
Few of us realize the extent to which the air protects us. The atmosphere is like a greenhouse in that it permits the energy from light and heat to enter, but prevents the escape of heat energy from the Earth's surface. Much of this protection is due to water vapor and carbon dioxide. Most of the solar energy is absorbed by the Earth's surface. When solids like the soil absorb radiant energy, they are heated.