The Ins & Outs of Solar Radiation 37.3
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES FROM THE SUN
Is > the amount of energy The amount of that hits of Earths surface in 1 hour Is > the amount of energy used by in a year. The amount of sunlight 1 m2
SOLAR RADIATION IS… absorbed, reflected, absorbed, re-radiated, re-reflected by atmosphere by atmosphere by earth by earth by atmosphere http://earsi.com/ggp01.htm
Atmospheric Gases and Clouds Reflect Terrestrial Radiation CH4 H2O
Long IR waves are reflected around the troposphere, keeping heat in
Thus the troposphere acts as a blanket, keeping the earth comfortably warm
Just like in a greenhouse… …or in your car
Mars too cold Venus too hot ??? • 63°C (-81° F) • 95% CO2 • 0.01x of the density of Earth’s atmosphere • 90x density of Earth’s atmosphere