Climate, Global Radiation Flashcards
Electromagnetic spectrum
A range of electromagentic radiation frequencies displaying their wavelengths
Shortwave radiation (K, solar)
Radiation from the Sun in the form of either infrared or ultraviolet. Hotter objects (like the Sun) have shorter wavelengths
Solar constant
The amount of energy/radiation received by an object that is 1 astronomical unit away from the Sun
What are the two types of shortwave radiation?
Direct and diffuse shortwave radiation
Direct shortwave radiation
Radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface with minimal absorption and scattering from the intermediate atmosphere
Diffuse shortwave radiation
Radiation that indirectly reaches the Earth’s surface through absorption and scattering from the intermediate atmosphere
Albedo
The amount of radiation reflected from the Earth’s surface
What is Earth’s planetary albedo?
Roughly 30%. The remaining 70% is absorbed by the atmosphere and the Earth’s surface
What three entities contribute to Earth’s planetary albedo, and what are their proportions?
Clouds: 20%
Atmosphere: 6%
Surface: 4%
Longwave radiation (L, Earth)
Absorbed radiation that is re-emitted by the Earth’s surface and greenhouse gases
Watt
A measure of the rate of energy transfer over a unit of time
Atmospheric windows
A range of wavelengths that can pass through Earth’s atmosphere, one of which being infrared
Natural greenhouse effect
The reflection of shortwave radiation in longwave form from the surface. This re-emitted radiation is unable to pass through the atmosphere. It then interacts with greenhouse gases and is re-emitted
What are three common greenhouse gases?
Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide
Global energy budget
The balance between incoming energy from the Sun and outgoing energy from the Earth
