Energy in the Earth System

Big Ideas The climate system (and life on Earth ) is maintained by

energy coming from the Sun (electromagnetic radiation).

The atmosphere, which surrounds us, affects us in many ways, including the Greenhouse effect.

Short wave radiation (light) is absorbed by matter and change to long wave radiation (heat).

The balance between incoming light energy and outgoing (emitted) heat determines temperature of the planet.

The Greenhouse effect

Our important Atmosphere

Adapted from the Environmental Literacy Council Environmental Science Teacher Exchange http://www.enviroliteracy.org/category.php?id=13

The role of an atmosphere

Sunlight on the Moon 215º F day time -243º F night time

Sunlight on the Earth 134º F

Death Valley, July 10, 1913

-129º F Antarctica, July 21, 1983

With no atmosphere the Earth’s ave. temperature would be -27 º

Earth’s Atmosphere

Is capable of quickly moving and distributing mass and heat over large distances.

Is an efficient communicator Directly affects life on Earth

by supplying the gases for the respiration of vegetation and animals.

And by moving water from oceans to land.

Structure of the Atmosphere

As you go up.. Chemical composition

changes. Temperature changes Pressure changes

90% of mass is in first 40 km!

Composition of the Atmosphere Nitrogen 78.1% Oxygen 20.9% Water vapor 0 to 4% Argon 0.9% Neon 0.002% Carbon Dioxide 0.035% Methane 0.0002% Helium 0.0005% Krypton 0.0001% Nitrous oxide 0.00003% Hydrogen 0.00005% Ozone 0.000004%

The energy that drives the climate system comes from the Sun

The Sun …

Is the star located at the center of our planetary system.

Is composed mainly of hydrogen and helium.

Sends solar heat energy which travels through space in the form of electromagnetic waves.

At the top of the atmosphere the Energy is fairly constant

The Solar Constant

1,370 Watts/m2

Energy interacts with matter

Reflection (albedo)

Transmission Absorption (becomes heat)

What happens to solar radiation once it meets the Earth's atmosphere?

Energy is mainly transmitted through the atmosphere

30% is reflected, mainly from clouds

Energy is absorbed by the land and water.

Albedo: how well an object reflect energy.

Earth’s Energy BudgetIncoming energy= Outgoing energy

The Sun and Earth give off Energy

Earth’s Energy Budget in detail

The Greenhouse Effect Short wave and visible

pass easily through the atmosphere and are absorbed by the Earth’s surface.

Some energy is radiated back into the atmosphere where it is absorbed by molecules of gas.

The heated gases radiate energy in all directions, including back to Earth.

The Greenhouse gases

Carbon Dioxide Methane Nitrous oxide Water vapor CFC’s

Greenhouse gases

Greenhouse

Gas

How much it

contributesSource

methane 18% Wetlands, Cattle

burning, Natural gas

Oceans, lakes

Carbon dioxide 49% Burning wood & fuel

Respiration

Deforestation

Nitrous oxide 6% Car exhaust

fertilizers

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s)

14% Refrigerants, Solvents

Foamed plastic

The Climate System

Big Ideas The climate system (and life on Earth ) is

maintained by energy coming from the Sun (electromagnetic radiation).

The atmosphere, which surrounds us, affects us in a way called the Greenhouse effect.

Short wave radiation (Light) is absorbed by matter and change to long wave radiation (heat).

The balance between incoming light energy and outgoing (emitted) heat determines temperature of the planet.

A good question….

Why does light energy from the Sun

pass through the greenhouse gases unabsorbed,

but the infrared energy

radiated from the Earth

gets absorbed?

Answer: Resonance: