2.1 Energy Relationships and the Biosphere

Radiation and the Earth Solar energy or Solar radiation is how the earth maintains life. There are many different forms of radiation.

Radiation and the Earth We only see one part of the spectrum, but all parts have energy to transfer. Radiation is the transfer of energy through high energy waves.

Radiation and the Earth Not all of the solar radiation that comes makes it to the Earth. 30% of the incoming radiation is reflected back 20% clouds 6% surface 4% aerosols

Radiation and the Earth The rest of the incoming radiation is absorbed by parts of the biosphere: 51% by oceans and land 19% by clouds and atoms in the atmosphere

Earth’s Tilted Axis The tilt of the Earth is referred to as the angle of inclination 23.5° This, in combination of the Earth’s rotation about its axis, and its revolution around the sun is the reason for seasons.

Earth’s Tilted Axis With this tilt in the axis the sun’s distribution of energy is unequal. Some areas receive sunlight 12 hours a day everyday. While others go 176 days of total darkness, and 189 days of total light.

Earth’s Tilted Axis Polar Zones: Arctic and Antarctic circle and north Temperate Zones: Tropic of Cancer to Arctic circle and Tropic of Capricorn to Antarctic Circle Tropical Zone: Between tropic of Cancer and Capricorn

Albedo An objects albedo is its ability to reflect solar radiation. Snow has a high albedo Bare land has a low albedo

Greenhouse Effect Certain chemicals in the air hold the radiant energy in: CO2 Methane CFCs There is a necessary global warming that without it we would not survive. But now there is an accelerated rate of global warming and it is changing climates and weather patterns Poodwaddle world clock