Earth's Energy Budget & Energy Distribution

Front

What is Earth's energy budget?

Back

Earth's energy budget tracks how much energy flows in and out of Earth's climate.

Front

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

Back

The way in which heat is trapped close to the surface of Earth by gases in our atmosphere.

Front

What type of energy distribution causes the circular movement of boiling macaroni in a pot?

Back

Convection.

Front

What is radiation in the context of energy distribution?

Back

Electromagnetic waves of energy from the sun that heat our atmosphere.

Front

What type of energy distribution do you experience when feeling the sun on your face at the beach?

Back

Radiation.

Front

What is convection?

Back

The transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases).

Front

What is conduction?

Back

The transfer of heat through direct contact between materials.

Front

What is the primary source of energy for Earth's climate system?

Back

The Sun.

Front

How does energy from the sun reach the Earth?

Back

Through radiation in the form of electromagnetic waves.

Front

What role do greenhouse gases play in Earth's energy budget?

Back

They trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the Greenhouse Effect.