Chapter 4 - Atmospheric Function, Greenhouse Effect and Atmospheric Warming

Question 1

What is the Ionosphere?

Answer 1

50 km Outwards
Absorbs cosmic rays, gamma rays, x-rays, & some UV rays

Question 2

What is the Ozonosphere

Answer 2

19 km to 50 km
Part of stratosphere
Consist of Ozone (O3) absorbs UV energy and converts it to heat energy

Question 3

What is the effect of Greenhouse Effect and Atmospheric Warming?

Answer 3

Atmosphere “absorbs” heat energy
Real Greenhouse “traps” heat inside
Atmosphere “delays” transfer of heat from Earth into space

Question 4

How is Earth’s Greenhouse by Cirrus Clouds?

Answer 4

Modest Reflection of shortwaves insolation
Most shortwaves go to Earth’s surface
Longwave radiation “detained” (absorbed and reradiated)

Question 5

How is Earth’s Greenhouse by Stratus clouds?

Answer 5

Longwave Radiation emitted to space
Most shortwave insolation reflected to space

Question 6

Remember this

Answer 6

Solar Energy input 100% =>

Clouds
- Reflected by clouds
- Absorbs by clouds
- Absorbed by atmospheric gases and dust

-Direct and diffuse radiation absorbed by earth’s surface
- Direct
- Reflected by surface
- Diffuse reflection and scattering by clouds and surface

-(Earth’s Average albedo) = 31% Reflected into space

No clouds
- Atmospheric heat input
- Surface heat input

• Energy Gained and lost by Earth’s surface
  
  • Latent Heat Transfer (Evaporation)
  • Convection (turbulent) transfer
  • Infared radiation and reradiation (Greenhouse Effect)
• Direct heat loss to space
• Energy gained and lost by the atmosphere
• (Average longwave radiation) = 68% reradiation into space