Incoming solar radiation is primarily caused by the Sun's nuclear fusion processes, which emit energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, ultraviolet, and infrared radiation. This energy travels through the vacuum of space and reaches Earth, where it is absorbed, reflected, or scattered by the atmosphere and surface. The intensity and distribution of this radiation are influenced by factors such as the Earth's distance from the Sun, the angle of sunlight, and atmospheric conditions.
AnswerApproximately 120,000 TW (terrawatts)That is 120000000000000000 joules per second!More energy hits the Earth from the Sun in one hour that the whole world uses all year.(The world uses 15 terrawatts of power per year.)
Solar radiation is most intense near the equator, particularly in regions with clear skies and high altitudes. Areas such as the Sahara Desert, parts of the Amazon, and high-altitude locations in the Andes and Himalayas receive the highest solar insolation due to their proximity to the equator and minimal atmospheric interference. The intensity of solar radiation decreases as one moves toward the poles, where the angle of sunlight is less direct.
The energy that Earth receives from the Sun primarily comes in the form of solar radiation, which warms the planet and drives weather systems and photosynthesis. In contrast, the energy Earth emits back to space is primarily in the form of infrared radiation, which is a result of the planet re-radiating the absorbed solar energy. The balance between incoming solar energy and outgoing thermal energy is crucial for maintaining Earth's climate and temperature. Any significant imbalance can lead to climate change, as excess energy can cause warming, while a deficit can lead to cooling.
The rate at which the Earth's surface is heated by solar radiation is called the "solar heating rate" or "solar insolation." This term refers to the amount of solar energy received per unit area over a specific time, typically measured in watts per square meter (W/m²). Solar insolation varies based on factors such as location, time of year, and atmospheric conditions.
In the polar regions, solar radiation strikes the Earth at a much lower angle compared to the equator, resulting in a more diffuse distribution of sunlight. This oblique angle causes the energy to be spread over a larger area, reducing its intensity and resulting in cooler temperatures. Additionally, during winter months, polar regions can experience prolonged periods of darkness, limiting solar energy absorption. Consequently, these factors contribute to the unique climatic conditions prevalent in polar areas.
incoming solar radiation = insolation
The wavelengths of incoming solar radiation are shorter than the wavelengths of reradiated heat.
About 6% of incoming solar radiation is reflected back into space from the atmosphere and 4% by the surface of the earth.Incoming solar radiation: 100%Reflected by the atmosphere: 6% : Absorbed by the atmosphere: 16%Continuing incoming solar radiation: 78%Reflected by clouds: 20% : Absorbed by clouds: 3%Continuing incoming solar radiation: 55%Reflected by the earth's surface: 4% : Absorbed by the earth's surface (lands and oceans): 51%
The solar radiation can be divided into many parts. The UV radiation part of it helps to form the ozone.
The Earth's surface absorbs the largest portion of incoming solar radiation. This absorption heats the surface, causing it to emit infrared radiation back into the atmosphere.
Incoming Solar Radiation
insolation
The ozone layer absorbs a portion of the incoming solar radiation, particularly harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. By filtering out UV radiation, the ozone layer helps protect living organisms on Earth from skin cancer, cataracts, and other harmful effects of UV exposure.
Insolation is a measurement of the solar radiation received by a surface over a unit time. It is an abbreviation for "incoming solar radiation."the amount of sunlight that reaches a planet.
The strongest is in the tropics, where the sunlight is nearly perpendicular to the surface and about the same duration year-round.
incident ray i think
The balance between incoming and outgoing energy is called radiation balance.