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From Sun to Earth’s Atmosphere

Part I. Energy produced from the innards of the Sun until it reaches

Earth.

Matter and energy are

equivalent.

Thermonuclear fusion occurs deep

in Sun’s core, converting mass into energy in form of electromagnetic radiation

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https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PAjHb-o2WzQ/maxresdefault.jpg

Planet

Distance from Sun

(millions of km)

Mean Solar Irradiance

(W/m2)

Mercury 57 9116.4Venus 108 2611.0Earth 150 1366.1Mars 227 588.6

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http://climate.ncsu.edu/secc_edu/images/Latitude3.jpg

Part II. Engagements of energy in the atmosphere.

RVBautista

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RVBautista

Transmission is the passage of

electromagnetic radiation through a medium.

Scattering is the redirection of

radiation to different directions by gas molecules.The shorter the wavelength, the

greater the scattering.

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Albedo is reflective quality of a

surface.

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∗ ↑ ↓ ↑ ↓

Net radiation

LE (latent heat of evaporation) – evaporation of

waterH (sensible heat) – convection of airG (ground heating and cooling) – conduction of heat

Disspation of Q*

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http://nelson.wisc.edu/sage/data-and-models/atlas/maps/avganntemp/atl_avganntemp_asi.jpg