The Global Energy System

Radiant energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. It is emitted at the speed of light by all objects with a temperature above absolute zero (-273° C) Eg.) Light bulbs, walls, floors, desks… any object with a temperature greater than absolute zero

Is the distance from one wave crest to the next

Is the number of waves that pass a point per unit of time

High frequency

A great deal of energy associated with solar energy

Less energy

• Stefan-Boltzmann Law - Wien’s Law

Hot objects radiate more energy (at all wavelengths) than cooler objects

The hotter the object, the shorter the wavelength of peak radiation

Shortwave radiation

Longwave radiation

Is the flow of solar energy intercepted by the earths surface and atmosphere

• Angle of incidence (controlled by latitude and time of year) • The length of exposure or length of day (controlled by latitude and time of year) • The cloud cover and atmospheric composition (highly variable in time and space)

The redirection of electromagnetic radiation, by gas molecules and particles

Is the percent of shortwave radiative energy or insolation that is reflected by a surface

Is the assimilation of radiation by molecules of matter and its conversion from one form on energy to another (Eg.) Heat energy or chemical energy

A surface

• Land • Water • Atmospheric gases, • Dust • Clouds • Stratospheric ozone

Radiative Non-Radiative Latent Heat

When warmer surfaces emit more energy, and then that energy is emitted in shorter wavelengths

(physical motion) • Conduction (molecule to molecule contact) • Convection (vertical mixing of fluids)

Energy absorbed or released during a phase change like evaporation