GEG 1301 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Refraction, Shortwave Radiation, Atmospheric Circulation

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Geography
• Course: GEG 1301
• Professor: Denis Lacelle

Document Summary

Higher energy body = shorter waves emitted. As it passes through the atmosphere energy may be diffused or reflected, or it may pass though directly/without interference. Scattering: light changes direction, but wavelength is unaffected (diffused) Shorter wavelengths are scattered more readily = blue sky. Refraction: change in direction and speed of energy (cause of rainbows) Reflection: albedo, proportion of incoming radiation that is reflected. High albedo = most radiation is reflected, ex. fresh snow. Low albedo = most radiation is absorbed, ex. wet ground. Absorption: occurs in both the atmosphere and the grounds surface. Absorption in the atmosphere is crucial to the greenhouse effect. Delays transfer of heat into space, but still allows it. Know relative proportions, and what happens to energy, but not numbers. More shortwave radiation is reflected where there is high albedo (clouds, snow, etc) More longwave radiation is emitted from warmer regions (tropics) K = shortwave radiation, l = longwave radiation,