Condensed parts of Earth's atmosphere

In summary, the Earth's atmosphere consists of approximately 25 mm of water on average, including both vapor and condensed phases. The total amount of condensed water in the atmosphere is about 13,000 km3, with a breakdown between liquid and solid forms. Additionally, there are other condensed particles present in the atmosphere, such as dust, organic matter, and industrial pollutants, which are often carried by the water during its movement. Data on these topics can be found through NOAA's downloadable data sets. Overall, the amount of water and other condensed particles in the atmosphere is regulated by precipitation and the movement of air parcels.
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snorkack
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How much of Earth atmosphere consists of condensed phases?
What is the breakdown of these condensed phases between those that condense in atmosphere (water) and those that do not (rock)?

The total amount of water in Earth atmosphere is quoted as a 25 mm layer on average - total of about 13 000 km3. But this is total water, including vapour. What is the total amount of condensed water in atmosphere? How much of it is liquid, how much solid?
 
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So you want to know much water is suspended in the atmosphere as clouds, precipitation, ocean spray, etc.?
 
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BillTre said:
So you want to know much water is suspended in the atmosphere as clouds, precipitation, ocean spray, etc.?
Yes. The breakdown of stuff suspended in atmosphere - the condensed water in clouds (liquid and solid, as distinct from water vapour in the air between the cloud droplets or snowflakes) and rock - that is, total amount of dust in the whole atmosphere in the same time.
 
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Not all dust will be rock.
Some will be of organic or industrial origin.
 
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Some particulates from a NOAA blurb:
Water ice, PAN particles from auto exhaust, sea salt, rockdust, soot, VOG (Volcano sources), Carbon Dioxide ice, plant and fungal spores, Sulfur oxides. Dust plumes from bean and wheat processing, and copper & coal mining. The dust movement from the Sahara desert to Central and South America effectively moves soil nutrients across the Atlantic ocean, for example.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/...plume-slams-u-s-kicking-up-climate-questions/

This is a partial list. It will take some work searching for data on one of these topics, let alone all of them.

What are you working on? NOAA has down loadable data sets so you can sort out this mess into what you need. Probably.
 
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The atmosphere near clouds usually contain the same mass of water as the air with clouds. It is just that the clouds are parcels of slightly cooler or lower pressure atmosphere, so the water condenses and becomes visible. When the air contains too much condensate to be suspended it rains, which regulates the water content. That rain may carry the water down to where it is warmer, so the water may dissolve again, but into a different parcel of air. Dust particles and ions in the atmosphere are transported with the water while it is in the form of a condensate or rain.
 
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FAQ: Condensed parts of Earth's atmosphere

What is the "Condensed parts of Earth's atmosphere"?

The "Condensed parts of Earth's atmosphere" refer to the three main layers of the Earth's atmosphere - the troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere. These layers are composed of gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, as well as water vapor and other trace gases.

What is the function of the condensed parts of Earth's atmosphere?

The condensed parts of Earth's atmosphere play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and supporting life on the planet. The troposphere is where weather occurs and where most of the Earth's water vapor is found. The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful UV radiation. The mesosphere helps to slow down and burn up meteors before they reach the Earth's surface.

How do the condensed parts of Earth's atmosphere differ from each other?

The condensed parts of Earth's atmosphere differ in terms of temperature, pressure, and composition. The troposphere is the lowest layer and is characterized by decreasing temperature with increasing altitude. The stratosphere has a stable temperature and contains higher concentrations of ozone. The mesosphere has the lowest temperatures and is where most meteors burn up.

What factors affect the condensed parts of Earth's atmosphere?

The condensed parts of Earth's atmosphere are affected by various factors, including solar radiation, the Earth's rotation, and the Earth's magnetic field. Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, also contribute to changes in the composition of the atmosphere, leading to issues such as climate change and ozone depletion.

How do the condensed parts of Earth's atmosphere impact life on Earth?

The condensed parts of Earth's atmosphere have a significant impact on life on Earth. The troposphere provides the air we breathe and is essential for plant growth. The stratosphere protects us from harmful UV radiation, while the mesosphere helps to protect the Earth from impacts from space. Changes in the atmosphere can have consequences for human health, agriculture, and the environment.

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