How does the Earth maintain its energy balance?

How does the Earth maintain its energy balance?

Energy released from the Sun is emitted as shortwave light and ultraviolet energy. The earth-atmosphere energy balance is achieved as the energy received from the Sun balances the energy lost by the Earth back into space. In this way, the Earth maintains a stable average temperature and therefore a stable climate.

What of the solar energy is absorbed and reflected?

Thus, about 71 percent of the total incoming solar energy is absorbed by the Earth system. Of the 340 watts per square meter of solar energy that falls on the Earth, 29% is reflected back into space, primarily by clouds, but also by other bright surfaces and the atmosphere itself.

What are the three factors that affect planetary energy balance?

On global scales, three things can affect this energy flow and therefore, the average global surface temperature. As shown in the figure below, they are the planet’s distance from the Sun, the planet’s surface reflectivity (albedo), and the planet’s atmosphere (through a process called the greenhouse effect).

What prevents solar energy from escaping the Earth?

the greenhouse effect
Earth’s atmosphere keeps much of the Sun’s energy from escaping into space. This process, called the greenhouse effect, keeps the planet warm enough for life to exist. The atmosphere allows about half of the Sun’s heat energy (50%) to reach Earth’s surface.

What reflects energy from the Sun in the atmosphere?

Once the sun’s energy reaches earth, it is intercepted first by the atmosphere. A small part of the sun’s energy is directly absorbed, particularly by certain gases such as ozone and water vapor. Some of the sun’s energy is reflected back to space by clouds and the earth’s surface.

What are the 3 factors that control the amount of solar energy that falls on different parts of Earth?

The total solar influx, depending on distance from the sun, angle of the planet’s axis and solar activity. Albedo – or reflections of solar rays from the Earth and back into space. Chemical composition of the atmosphere.

What are the three factors that affect the amount of solar radiation being absorbed?

The amount and intensity of solar radiation that a location or body of water receives depends on a variety of factors. These factors include latitude, season, time of day, cloud cover and altitude. Not all radiation emitted from the sun reaches Earth’s surface.

What keeps it from escaping to the surface of the Earth?

The Short Answer: Earth’s gravity is strong enough to hold onto its atmosphere and keep it from drifting into space.

How much energy does the Earth absorb from the Sun?

The atmosphere and the surface of the Earth together absorb 71 percent of incoming solar radiation, so together, they must radiate that much energy back to space for the planet’s average temperature to remain stable.

What kind of material absorbs and reflects solar energy?

With reflective coatings, however, plastic materials may be suitable for solar energy equipment, as long as temperature demands are modest. Clear glass and plastic absorb very little solar energy, so they make good lenses, windows and transparent enclosures (See Reference 3, “Absorption”).

Which is part of the Earth absorbs more radiation?

Every surface on earth absorbs and reflects energy at varying degrees, based on its color and texture. Dark-colored objects absorb more visible radiation; light-colored objects reflect more visible radiation. Shiny or smooth objects reflect more, while dull or rough objects absorb more.

How is the energy balance of the Earth maintained?

In this way, the Earth maintains a stable average temperature and therefore a stable climate. Using 100 units of energy from the sun as a baseline the energy balance is as follows: