Earth 1 Flashcards
What are the five major spheres of Earth?
Hydrosphere: All water on Earth.
Cryosphere: All frozen water on Earth.
Geosphere: Earth’s crust and landforms.
Biosphere: All living things on Earth.
Atmosphere: All the air surrounding Earth.
What is shortwave radiation?
Shortwave radiation comes from the sun in the form of visible and UV light. It is absorbed by atmospheric gases, reflected off clouds, and scattered, creating phenomena like Earth’s blue sky.
What is longwave radiation?
Longwave radiation is infrared energy re-emitted by Earth’s surface. It is absorbed by greenhouse gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone, which trap heat in the atmosphere.
Why is Earth’s energy budget important?
It ensures that the Earth maintains a stable temperature by balancing the incoming solar radiation and outgoing heat energy.
What happens if Earth’s energy budget becomes unbalanced?
An imbalance leads to global temperature changes, such as global warming when more energy is trapped than released.
How do clouds influence Earth’s temperature during clear versus cloudy days?
On clear days, about 80% of longwave radiation escapes into space, making these days colder. On cloudy days, clouds trap heat, keeping the temperatures warmer.
What role does water vapor play in the energy balance?
Water vapor is a greenhouse gas that absorbs longwave radiation effectively, helping to warm the Earth’s atmosphere.
Why are equatorial regions warmer than polar regions?
Equatorial regions receive more direct shortwave radiation from the sun because of their position, while polar regions are farther away and receive less direct radiation.
What is the function of greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere?
Greenhouse gases trap longwave radiation, keeping Earth’s atmosphere warm enough to sustain life.
Why is the sky blue?
The sky is blue because shortwave radiation from the sun scatters in all directions when it hits molecules in the atmosphere. Blue light scatters more because of its shorter wavelength.
What is the effect of clouds on longwave radiation?
Clouds absorb longwave radiation and reduce the amount that escapes into space, acting like a blanket to retain heat.
How does the cryosphere contribute to the Earth’s energy balance?
The cryosphere reflects shortwave radiation due to its high albedo, helping cool the planet.
What are the main sources of shortwave radiation?
Shortwave radiation comes directly from the sun in the form of visible light and ultraviolet light.
How does the geosphere impact the Earth’s energy balance?
The geosphere absorbs shortwave radiation, warming the Earth’s surface and contributing to longwave radiation re-emission.
What are the two main types of radiation involved in Earth’s energy budget?
Shortwave Radiation: Incoming solar radiation.
Longwave Radiation: Outgoing infrared energy emitted by Earth’s surface.
