1. Input/Output/Transfer
Earth’s Energy Self-Quiz
Input/Output/Transfer
Time Scale
1. Changes in Earth’s orbit and the orientation of its axis
2. Changes in the sun’s energy output
3. Configuration of continents resulting from tectonic activity
4. Ocean circulation
5. Atmospheric composition
6. Atmospheric circulation
7. Volcanic activity
8. Glaciation
9. Changes in extent or type of vegetation cover
10. Human activities

2. Earth’s Energy
-Weather: the way the atmosphere behaves on a short-term scale (minutes to months)
-Climate: long-term weather patterns in a particular area (ex: the Bay Area has a Mediterranean climate – rainy winters and dry, warm summers); based on energy inputs, outputs, and transfers

3. Earth’s Energy
-Energy Input: any source of energy that comes from outside the Earth’s atmosphere or any factor that affects energy going into the atmosphere; this is usually from the Sun or sources that affect sunlight
-Factors that affect Earth’s energy inputs:
- Changes in Earth’s orbit and the orientation of its
axis (time scale:
-Changes in the sun’s energy output
-Configuration of continents resulting from tectonic
activity (albedo and mountains)
-Glaciation
-Atmospheric composition
-Volcanic activity
-Changes in extent or type of vegetation cover
-Human activities

4. Earth’s Energy
-Energy Transfer: any process that moves energy from one area of the Earth to another
-Factors that affect Earth’s energy transfer:
-Ocean circulation
-Atmospheric circulation
-Configuration of continents resulting from tectonic
activity (mountains)

5. Earth’s Energy
-Energy Output: any source of energy that is directed back out into space; these are often sources that affect Earth’s energy inputs too
-Factors that affect Earth’s energy output:
-Configuration of continents resulting from tectonic
activity (albedo)
-Atmospheric composition
-Glaciation
-Volcanic activity
-Changes in extent or type of vegetation cover
-Human activities

6. Input/Output/Transfer
Earth’s Energy Self-Quiz
Input/Output/Transfer
Input
Input/Output/
Transfer
Input/Output
Time Scale
10-100s thousands
10-100s
10-100s millions
1-10 &10-100s
1-10 & s
1-10
1. Changes in Earth’s orbit and the orientation of its axis
2. Changes in the sun’s energy output
3. Configuration of continents resulting from tectonic activity
4. Ocean circulation
5. Atmospheric composition
6. Atmospheric circulation
7. Volcanic activity
8. Glaciation
9. Changes in extent or type of vegetation cover
10. Human activities