1. The Ins & Outs of Solar Radiation
37.3

2. ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES FROM THE SUN

3. Is > the amount of energy
The amount of that hits of Earths surface
in hour
Is > the amount of energy
used by
in a year.
The amount of sunlight
1 m2

4. SOLAR RADIATION IS…
absorbed, reflected, absorbed, re-radiated, re-reflected
by atmosphere by atmosphere by earth by earth by atmosphere

5. Atmospheric Gases and Clouds Reflect Terrestrial Radiation
CH4
H2O

6. Long IR waves are reflected around the troposphere, keeping heat in

7. Thus the troposphere acts as a blanket,
keeping the earth comfortably warm

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

9. Mars too cold Venus too hot ??? • 63°C (-81° F) • 95% CO2
• 0.01x of the density of Earth’s atmosphere
• 90x density of Earth’s atmosphere