Solar radiation and the atmosphere
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Define insolation
• the amount of solar radiation reaching a given area
Define albedo
• the fraction of light that a surface reflects
What is energy
• the ability to do work
Where does most of the energy on earth come from
• the sun
The majority of solar radiation is in what wavelength
• infrared radiation
Where on earth do the sun’s rays hit most directly
• the equator
Where on earth do the sun’s rays hit the least directly
• the poles
Environmental importance of ultraviolet
• inhibits photosynthesis • play a role in decomposition
Environmental importance of visible
• provides photosynthesis in plants • enables us to see
Environmental importance of infrared
• keeps a stable temperature and climate • provides heat energy • process of photosynthesis
How do convection and conduction differ
• conduction - direct contact • convection - happens in liquids and gases
What is a convection cell
• warm air rises and it begins to cool and then contracts, becomes denser and sinks
What is the earths energy budget
• difference between energy entering and energy exiting the atmosphere
What happens when the earth absorbs more energy than it emits
• the planet warms up
What happens when the earth emits more energy than it absorbs
• the planet cools down
What is the greenhouse effect
• the process through which heat is absorbed and remitted near earth’s surface by substances known as ‘greenhouse gases’
How is the greenhouse effect helpful for life on earth
• keeps our planet at a suitable temperature for life • species would be outside their range of tolerance
How are humans affecting the greenhouse effect
• burning fossil fuels • cutting down forests • farming livestock