Mr. Ruark’s Earth Science Thought of the Day- What does solar energy do on Earth? Daily Objective(s): We will determine the effects of solar energy in Earth’s atmosphere. Day 26 Please answer the following questions using your book. Look at Figure 1 on page 36 to help. 1. What is the electromagnetic spectrum? 2. Look at Figure 1. Which words on that colorful spectrum have you heard of or used before? 3.Invisible light is in between what 2 other types of radiation? Unit 1: Meteorology

Cool Down What 3 types of electromagnetic waves get blocked by the atmosphere?

Solar Energy The Effects on Earth’s Atmosphere Unit 1: Meteorology Chapter 19.2

Sun’s Radiation Atmosphere is heated by solar energy. Absorbed by gases in atmosphere and the land and ocean surfaces. Energy is given off as heat.

Radiation Energy travels from Sun to Earth as radiation. Radiation- all the frequencies or wavelengths of electromagnetic spectrum Travels as waves Visible light is an example- it is radiation that our eyes can detect Other forms are: Radio, Microwaves, Infrared, Visible Light, Ultraviolet, X- Rays and Gamma Rays.

Radiation Travels at a very high speed (300,000 km/s) Types of radiation differ on the length from crest to crest Called wavelength Longer waves- Radio, Microwave, Infrared (Visible Light) Shorter waves- Ultraviolet, X Rays, Gamma Rays

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Atmosphere and Solar Radiation Solar radiation passes through the atmosphere in several ways. Upper atmosphere absorbs almost all shorter wave radiation (Thankfully!) If this did not occur, life as we know it would not exist! Think of the worst sunburn and it would be much, much worse. BLOCKED RAYS: Gamma Rays, X-Rays, Ultraviolet Rays

Visual:

Atmosphere and Solar Radiation Most solar rays that reach the lower atmosphere as: Radio waves, Infrared, visible light Have you ever seen the fuzzy/snowy background noise on a radio with no station? How about the snowy background of a TV with no station on? You are actually seeing and hearing the Sun’s radio waves!

Scattering- What Makes the Sky Blue? What disrupts solar radiation and causes scattering? Clouds Dust Water Droplets Gas Molecules Scattering makes the sky blue in the day and multi-colored at sunrise/sunset!

Example of Scattering

Reflection Solar Energy is either reflected or absorbed by the surface. Depends on factors such as color- white reflects more than black! Albedo- the fraction of solar radiation that is reflected off the surface of an object. Example: You can see the moon. It does not give off its own light, rather, it is like a mirror and reflects light to your eyes. This is albedo!

Absorption and Infrared Energy Infrared is detected by us as heat. Snakes and other animals can actually see heat- we can detect it through touch. Absorption of radiation heats the lower atmosphere and creates that “warm blanket” of air that allows us not to freeze/boil.

Mirages A mirage is when warm air bends light waves. Have you seen these? Where?