Weather: Heat and the Atmosphere

Radiant energy from the sun is crucial for life on Earth, warming the planet and enabling life functions. The atmosphere, including water droplets, dust, and the ozone layer, absorbs and scatters this energy. Clouds and the Earth's surface also play roles in reflecting and absorbing radiant energy. The absorbed energy is then distributed through the atmosphere in various ways.

What type of energy is described as vital to life on Earth?

How does the ozone layer contribute to the absorption of radiant energy?

What role do clouds play in relation to radiant energy?

In what ways can radiant energy be scattered or absorbed by the Earth's surface?

What happens to the radiant energy that is absorbed by the atmosphere or land?