Earths Energy Balance Flashcards
What is Earth’s energy balance?
The equilibrium between the energy Earth receives from the sun and the energy it radiates back into space.
True or False: The Earth receives more energy from the sun than it radiates back into space.
False
What are the two main components of Earth’s energy balance?
Incoming solar radiation and outgoing terrestrial radiation.
Fill in the blank: The primary source of energy for Earth is __________.
the sun
What percentage of solar energy is absorbed by the Earth’s surface?
About 47%.
True or False: Greenhouse gases play a role in Earth’s energy balance.
True
What is the greenhouse effect?
The process by which greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to warming.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following gases is NOT a greenhouse gas? A) CO2 B) O2 C) CH4 D) N2O
B) O2
What is albedo?
The measure of the reflectivity of the Earth’s surface.
Fill in the blank: The albedo of ice is __________ compared to that of forests.
higher
How does deforestation affect Earth’s energy balance?
It decreases albedo and increases heat absorption.
True or False: Ocean currents can influence Earth’s energy balance.
True
What role do clouds play in Earth’s energy balance?
They reflect incoming solar radiation and trap outgoing heat.
What is the term for the energy emitted by the Earth after it absorbs solar radiation?
Terrestrial radiation.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following factors can affect Earth’s energy balance? A) Solar output B) Earth’s distance from the sun C) Human activities D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the significance of the Stefan-Boltzmann Law in relation to Earth’s energy balance?
It describes how the energy radiated by an object increases with the fourth power of its temperature.
Fill in the blank: The Earth’s average surface temperature is approximately __________ degrees Celsius.
15
True or False: Increased greenhouse gas concentrations lead to a decrease in Earth’s surface temperature.
False
What is a feedback loop in the context of Earth’s energy balance?
A process where a change in a system causes further changes, amplifying or diminishing the initial effect.
What is the role of aerosols in Earth’s energy balance?
They can either cool or warm the atmosphere depending on their properties.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a consequence of a disrupted energy balance? A) Climate change B) Weather patterns C) Rising sea levels D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the primary method by which Earth loses energy?
Radiation of infrared energy to space.
Fill in the blank: The energy balance of Earth is crucial for maintaining __________.
climate stability
What is the term for the difference between incoming and outgoing energy?
Radiative forcing.
True or False: Urban areas generally have a higher albedo than rural areas.
False
What is the primary consequence of an energy imbalance on Earth?
Global warming or cooling trends.
