Earth's Energy Budget

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the way in which heat is trapped close to the surface of the Earth by certain gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane.

Front

What percentage of solar energy is radiated directly back into space from Earth?

Back

29% of solar energy is radiated directly back into space from Earth.

Front

True or False: Earth's energy budget tracks how much energy flows in and out of Earth's climate.

Back

True.

Front

What type of electromagnetic energy can be seen by humans?

Back

Visible light is the type of electromagnetic energy that can be seen by humans.

Front

What is the equation that represents Earth's energy budget?

Back

The equation is energy in = energy out.

Front

What are the main components of Earth's energy budget?

Back

The main components include incoming solar radiation, reflected solar energy, absorbed energy, and outgoing thermal radiation.

Front

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

Back

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, which helps to maintain Earth's temperature.

Front

What is solar radiation?

Back

Solar radiation is the energy emitted by the sun, which reaches Earth and is essential for life.

Front

What happens to energy that is absorbed by Earth?

Back

Energy absorbed by Earth warms the surface and is eventually re-radiated as infrared radiation.

Front

What is the significance of the albedo effect?

Back

The albedo effect refers to the reflectivity of Earth's surface; surfaces with high albedo reflect more solar energy.