GGR100H1 Lecture : Earth's energy balance
Document Summary
Earth"s energy balance the sun emits radiation in a spectrum- uv, infared, etc. different gasses absorb different types of radiation clouds have the property of reflecting radiation to space- wave hits the cloud and bounces back up to space, doesn"t change wavelength, just reflects back. Fate of incoming solar radiation (short wave) scattering: gas molecules and dust change direction of radiation without altering wavelength-> diffuse radiation reflection: bounce back to space. which is why a cloudy day still allows daylight to be seen. we reflect 31% of the radiation [known as albedo] absorption: assimilation of radiation by molecules of matter, converted into other forms of energy. earth is pretty bright in space because we are reflecting 31% the moon reflects 6% Aerosols tiny droplets that reflect radiation they are small particles that exist in the atompshere. we produce a lot of aerosols in our industrial activities.
