Physics Asked by Seanosapien on May 4, 2021
One of the two sources of Earth’s heat is primordial heat, which is the product of gravitational compression and impacts during Earth’s formation. My understanding is that work is done on the core, leading to compression, and this increases internal energy/temperature. Does anyone know what role gravitational compression plays in the atmosphere with regards to temperature? The pressure at sea-level is the result of gravitational compression. Does gravitational compression raise the temperature of the denser layers of the atmosphere in any way, or is the only heat input from surface conduction, radiation and convection?
The atmosphere is more or less at equilibrium with regards to being compressed by gravity, so there is no atmospheric heating caused by gravity (otherwise the atmosphere would gradually get closer and closer to the Earth, which clearly is not the case).
Heating of the atmosphere is almost entirely due to radiant energy from the sun, along with terrestrial heat sources.
Correct answer by DumpsterDoofus on May 4, 2021
Atmospheric pressure, at some altitude, is largely due to the weight of the atmosphere above that altitude. The atmosphere also virtually behaves like an ideal gas. If evaporation of liquid water increases the concentration of H2O molecules in the air the density decreases and the air becomes buoyant and rises. As it rises it expands and cools. Rising air can displace air at altitude downwards. This air becomes compressed and warmer.
You might want to take a look at one of the standard atmospheric models
Answered by Mark Rovetta on May 4, 2021
The convection driven compressional warming on Earth is minimal because of the low pressure, 1 Bar at 14 psi. The effect is well accepted by scientists. Whereas the compressional warming on Venus, with over 1200 psi difference in pressure and 700c diffence in temp. from the surface to the top of the convection system, causes a tenfold increase in the warming effect. Enough to raise the planetary temperature to the incredible levels we see.
Answered by Luke Macmain on May 4, 2021
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