Atmosphere of earth - why it isnt static?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the dynamics of Earth's atmosphere and its movement in relation to the Earth's rotation. The original poster questions why the atmosphere does not remain static while the Earth spins, particularly focusing on the speed of rotation at the equator.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the concept of friction and drag, questioning how these forces influence the atmosphere's movement. There is a discussion about the implications if the atmosphere were to remain stationary while the Earth rotates.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original question, offering insights into the role of friction and other factors affecting atmospheric dynamics. There is a recognition of multiple influences on the atmosphere, but no consensus has been reached on the complete explanation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the effects of various physical forces and conditions, such as temperature and pressure differentials, on the atmosphere's behavior. The discussion is framed within the context of a homework assignment, which may impose certain constraints on the depth of exploration.

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Homework Statement


here is Earth and here is atmosphere. Why this atmosphere is going around with Earth when it is going around, not stay in one place static? i mean not this motion around sun but this motion which is making day and night, the air and everything else is going around with about 1000m/s speed (on equator), how it can be explained?
 
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Friction, drag. If the air stayed in place and the Earth was spinning through it at 1000m/s (at the equator), things would be pretty "interesting" to say the least.
 
haha, would be nice wind;]
so it is connected with this "friction" and if this didnt exist on Earth all things would stay in one place while Earth would spin around?
 
Air is a fluid, and fluids are subject to friction and drag when they move at different speeds than solids with which they are in contact. There are lots of other things that cause the air to be dynamic, too, like differentials in temperature, density, and pressure. That causes our weather, and transports heat and water around our planet.
 

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