Energy Notes 4

Earth’s Energy Balance Insolation is mostly what form of energy? Visible light– relatively short wavelength Terrestrial Radiation is HEAT (I.R) given off by the Earth. This heat goes back into space Relatively long wavelength

Earth’s Energy Balance Only about half of insolation is absorbed by Earth! This is short wave visible light! The rest is... Reflected or absorbed by atmosphere

Earth’s Energy Balance Earth re-radiates heat energy back into space! This is LONG wave infrared energy This is how Earth’s temperature remains balanced! Energy in = energy out!

Earth’s Energy Balance In the day, Earth receives more insolation than it gives off…. The temperature increases! At night, Earth gives off more heat than it receives from the sun. The temperature decreases!

Earth’s Energy Balance Clouds block insolation in the day so cloudy days are cooler! Clouds block heat radiation from Earth at night so cloudy nights are warmer! Clouds are like a blanket at night!

Carbon Dioxide, Methane Earth’s Energy Balance Carbon dioxide and other gases absorb heat radiated from Earth These gases act like a blanket, making Earth warmer This is called the Greenhouse Effect Carbon Dioxide, Methane And Water Vapor Greenhouse Effect Animation Greenhouse Effect Video

Earth’s Energy Balance Volcanic eruptions spread ash in the atmosphere… Ash blocks insolation Earth cools down! A large meteor impact will do something similar! Volcanic Ash

Areas Near Water Have Moderate Temperatures Large Bodies of Water Warmer in summer Warmer in winter Cooler in winter Cooler in summer Areas Near Water Have Moderate Temperatures

Land and Sea Breeze Land Breeze In the day time… Water is cooler than the shoreline (higher specific heat) Warm air rises over land to make convection cell This makes a… Land Breeze At night, the water is warmer than the land (cools slowly) Wind blows off shore Land and Sea Breeze