1. Energy Drives the Earth System
Radioactive decay at core is released into the mantle, fueling volcanos, driving plate movement
(Integrated science C/D year)

2. Energy Flow Drives the Earth System
UV, visible, IR from sun penetrate the atmosphere, warming oceans & land, converted by plants into organic fuel
Intro video

3. The Ins & Outs of Solar Energy
99%
30%
20%
50%

4. Is > than the amount of energy
Sidebar
The amount of that hits of Earths surface
in hour
Is > than the amount of energy
used by
in a year.
The amount of sunlight
1 m3
This is a resource we can tap!

5. Solar Energy Varies by Wavelength, λ
reflected
absorbed
reflected
We hear radio waves in the atmosphere because we generate them!
EM Song!

6. terrestrial radiation
solar radiation
terrestrial radiation
• shorter wavelength
visible EMR
• absorbed by land, water
• absorbed solar radiation re-radiated back from Earth
• longer wavelength
infrared (heat) EMR
infrared

7. In effect, the sun heats the Earth…
…and the Earth heats the air, as terrestrial radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases
CH4
H20
absorbed solar radiation terrestrial radiation

8. Just like in a greenhouse…
…or in your car

9. Thus, the lower atmosphere acts as a blanket,
keeping the Earth a comfortable temperature

10. Mars • 0.01x of the density of Earth’s atmosphere 96& CO2)
Venus • 90x density of Earth’s atmosphere
Both are >95% Co2
462° C (863° F)
Too hot!
-46° C (-51° F)
Too cold

12. 100% 1%
99%

13. nuclear fusion in the sun produces radiant energy
transformed into sugars by organisms
containing cholorophyll photosynthesis
sugars transformed to ATP by all organisms fermentation
respiration
Heat at every step!
nuclear fusion in the sun produces radiant energy

14. One transformation you can count on!
heat
heat
Always some energy transformed into heat
Heat is a dead end: little use; lost to universe in time
Therefore, although energy is conserved, the system needs the constant input from the sun
Heat at every step!