GEOG 2050 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Black Body, Radiant Energy, Solar Irradiance
Document Summary
Energy pathways: shortwave energy = from sun, longwave energy = from earth o o o o o o o o o. Occurs when insolation is not absorbed bounced in all directions. Scatter agents dust, pollutants, ice, cloud droplets, vapor. Retention of radiant energy by atmospheric gases, dust, clouds, smoke. Atmosphere is an open window to visible light. Occurs when insolation is bounced off surface without being absorbed or scattered. o. When insolation (light) passes from one medium to another (air to water density changes, temperature differences) o. Albedo controls the amount of insolation available for absorption. High albedo more reflection/less absorption/less heat produced. Low albedo less reflection/more absorption/more heat produced. Conduction thermal energy from high temp to low temp (equalize temp) Microclimatology: the study of physical conditions is the earth"s surface. Sw earths albedo light color more reflection (clouds/deserts are light) Lw emitter to space flux or flow(desert/tropics more) o.
