Earth Energy Balance

Question 1

What’s Earth’s Energy Balance?

Answer 1

Definition: The balance between incoming solar radiation absorbed by Earth and outgoing radiation emitted back to space.
Purpose: Maintains Earth’s climate and temperature stability.

Question 2

Key Components of Earth’s Energy Balance

Answer 2

Incoming Energy: Solar radiation (sunlight).
Outgoing Energy: Infrared radiation (heat emitted by Earth).
Albedo Effect: Reflectivity of Earth’s surface (e.g., ice reflects more, oceans absorb more).

Question 3

Importance of Energy Balance

Answer 3

Stable Climate: Prevents extreme heating or cooling.
Imbalance: Leads to global warming (e.g., excess greenhouse gases trap heat).