Topic 3: Global Cycles and Physical Systems 3.1: The Atmosphere Atmospheric Energy Budget
•
Sunlight (short wave radiation)
• •
Controls weather and climate Drives photosynthesis
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Topic 3: Global Cycles and Physical Systems 3.1: The Atmosphere
ENERGY IN THE ATMOSPHERE Incoming solar Radiation Reflected Solar Radiation
107
Outgoing Longwave Radiation
342 Reflected by Clouds and Atmosphere
Emitted by Atmosphere
77
165
Atmospheric window
30
Absorbed by
67 Atmosphere 78
Greenhouse Gases
40
Latent Heat
350
24
Back Radiation
Reflected by Surfaces
30 168
390
Thermals
Surface Radiation
Absorbed by surfaces
78
Evapotranspiration
324
Absorbed back Radiation
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Topic 3: Global Cycles and Physical Systems 3.1: The Atmosphere Energy in the Atmosphere
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Solar radiation can take several paths within the atmosphere
• • •
30% reflected by the atmosphere 19% absorbed by the atmosphere 51% absorbed by Earth’s surfaces
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Topic 3: Global Cycles and Physical Systems 3.1: The Atmosphere 100% Solar Radiation 6% Reflected by atmosphere 20% reflected by clouds
19% absorbed by the atmosphere and clouds
4% reflected from surfaces
51% absorbed at the surface
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