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Atmospheric Heating Notes
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Atmosphere heated by our Sun
Solar constant = gives our planet a constant amount of solar energy (sunlight) The sun emits different forms of energy depending on its wavelength (lambda). This is called the ‘solar spectrum’. Heat budget = balance between the amount of solar energy being absorbed by the Earth; and the amount of solar energy being reflected back into space. Differences in temperature on the earth are then accountable by the inclination of the Earth’s axis and unequal heating.
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Atmosphere heated by our Sun
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Conduction, Radiation and Convection – Earth’s Atmosphere
Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy through space by electromagnetic waves (ex. x-rays, visible light, ultraviolet, or infrared) Matter is not required for the transfer of energy by radiation! waves. ALL objects (including you) emit radiant energy. Convection: Convection is the transfer of thermal energy by movement of molecules within a liquid or gas. The liquid or gas becomes less dense as it is heated. Conduction: Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy through direct contact. Conduction is heat transfer through the movement of molecules in solids.
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Reflectivity, Scattering and Albedo
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Reflectivity, Scattering and Albedo
“Averaged over the entire planet, roughly 340 watts per square meter of energy from the Sun reach Earth. About one-third of that energy is reflected back into space, and the remaining 240 watts per square meter is absorbed by land, ocean, and atmosphere” Albedo (latin = white): Amount of sunlight reflected back into space 0.3 or 30% If all ice = .84 or 84% Factors into global warming Albedo becomes higher as an object gets lighter in shade
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