1. 2.1 Energy Relationships and the Biosphere

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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

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

10. 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