1. In referencing the Earth’s Energy Budget diagram, someone might state, “The h

Question

1. In referencing the Earth’s Energy Budget diagram, someone might state, “The heat exchanges are in balance: the heat gained by the Earth through solar radiation equals the heat lost through thermal radiation.” What is meant by this statement?

2. Now make connections among the Earth’s Energy Budget diagram, the Habitable Zone information and the Vital Signs of Planet Earth by discussing what you think the impact on planet Earth would be for each of these three conditions if each condition was sustained for a significant amount of time :

i. The heat gained by the Earth through solar radiation equals the heat lost through thermal radiation.

ii. The heat gained by the Earth through solar radiation is less than the heat lost through thermal radiation.

iii. The heat gained by the Earth through solar radiation is more than the heat lost through thermal radiation.

Explanation / Answer

1. The earth's energy budget describes the various kinds and amounts of energy that enter and leave the earth system.It includes both radiative components (light and heat) and other components like conduction ,convection and evaporation which also transport heat from Earth's surface.On average and over the long term there is a balance at the top of the atmosphere. The amount of energy coming in (from the sun) is the same as the amount going out (from reflection of sun light) and from emission of infrared radiation.

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