NASA | Aqua CERES: Tracking Earth's Heat Balance

The video explains how Earth's temperature is influenced by solar radiation and greenhouse gases, which alter the radiation balance. NASA uses instruments like CERES and MODIS on satellites to measure these changes. Natural events such as La Nina, El Nino, and volcanic activity also impact the energy budget. Researchers use long-term data to identify trends in global warming, supported by measurements of ocean heat, sea level rise, and land ice volume.

What is the primary source of heat for Earth?

• Ocean Currents

• The Moon

• The Sun

• Volcanic Activity

How do greenhouse gases affect Earth's radiation balance?

• They increase outgoing radiation

• They decrease incoming solar radiation

• They reduce outgoing radiation

• They have no effect

What is the purpose of NASA's CERES instrument?

• To measure ocean currents

• To track volcanic eruptions

• To analyze Earth's radiation budget

• To monitor wildlife migration

Which natural events can influence Earth's energy budget?

• Solar flares

• La Nina and El Nino

• Earthquakes

• Tornadoes

Why is long-term data collection important for understanding climate change?

• It identifies significant changes above natural variability

• It provides a snapshot of current conditions

• It helps predict daily weather

• It is not important