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No, it is not. The sun is constantly changing, sometimes it burns very slightly stronger and releases more solar energy, sometimes less.
Through the last 2000 years, the intensity of solar radiation reaching Earth has varied up or down by around 0.1 - 0.2 per cent.
We have only been able to directly observe the sun's energy for a bit over thirty years now, to go backwards beyond this time requires the use of proxies and less accuracy on an issue that requires very tight controls. Total warming of our planet is considered to be roughly 3 watts/M2. High accuracy is a must. During our limited length of measuring though, total solar energy variation has maintained a very tight window of under 0.1%.
The total energy hitting our outer atmosphere is roughly constant at an average of 1365.4 to 1366.6 watts per meter2. The variance is around 1.2 watts total on average. Interestingly enough though, this does not mean that the impact of our sun's energy hitting and staying with our atmosphere is constant.
Since the dawn of satellites, we are now able to measure the incoming energy with much more precession, including the bands of energy coming in. Some wavelengths pass through our atmosphere (both in and out) with far less resistance and likelihood of absorption. Ultra Violet energy has been demonstrated to vary in far larger proportions than some other wavelengths according to satellite data. . Some changes in bandwidths are quite large: 6% at 200 nm and 2.5% at 250 nm for example. To maintain a steady and consistent power, this means other wavelengths must also vary.
This ultraviolet energy is the primary energy used in the creation of ozone in our upper atmosphere (ozone layer). Additionally, greenhouse gases absorb different wavelengths so when there is an increase in one wavelength, a corresponding decrease must also occur to compensate and conform to the consistent output of the sun we are measuring. Ongoing studies are needed to understand how this affects global warming. The total affect of this issue is still not fully understood according to the 2007 IPCC report. (see link)
What else can I help you with?
What factors contribute to the decrease in the amount of energy reaching earth's surface?
There are several factors that contribute to the decrease in the amount of energy reaching earth's surface. These are: reflection, scattering, absorption by gases and aerosols in the atmosphere, and cloud cover.
How does the presence of oxygen in our atmosphere help reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation that reaches the earths surface?
Oxygen in the atmosphere helps to absorb and scatter incoming ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This process occurs in the stratosphere, where oxygen molecules break apart the incoming UV radiation. This absorption and scattering of UV radiation by oxygen prevent a large amount of harmful UV radiation from reaching the Earth's surface.
Does the total amount of earths water change slowly or never?
The total amount of Earth's water remains relatively constant over time due to the water cycle, where water continuously moves between different reservoirs such as oceans, atmosphere, and land. While there may be slight variations in the distribution of water between these reservoirs, the overall amount of water on Earth remains stable.
If dust particles are added to the atmosphere the amount of isolation reaching the ground will probably?
Decrease because dust particles in the atmosphere can scatter sunlight and absorb heat, reducing the amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. This can lead to cooler temperatures and reduced isolation at the surface.
What factor most influences the amount of solar energy absorbed at the earths surface?
The angle of incidence of the sun's rays is the factor that most influences the amount of solar energy absorbed at the Earth's surface. A higher angle means the rays have to pass through more atmosphere, reducing the intensity of the sunlight absorbed. Additionally, factors like cloud cover and air pollution can also impact the amount of solar energy reaching the surface.
Does solar constant affect temperature?
Yes, the solar constant affects temperature by determining the amount of solar energy reaching the Earth's atmosphere. A higher solar constant can lead to an increase in temperature, while a lower solar constant can result in cooler temperatures.
What is the amount of heat energy in the earths atmosphere referred to as?
the altitude
What would happen to animals if the amount of oxygen the earths atmosphere decreased?
youll die
What is the solar constant formula used to calculate the amount of solar energy received at the outer atmosphere of Earth?
The solar constant formula is used to calculate the amount of solar energy received at the outer atmosphere of Earth. It is represented by the equation: Solar Constant Solar Irradiance / Distance from the Sun squared.
What factors contribute to the decrease in the amount of energy reaching earth's surface?
There are several factors that contribute to the decrease in the amount of energy reaching earth's surface. These are: reflection, scattering, absorption by gases and aerosols in the atmosphere, and cloud cover.
How does the presence of oxygen in our atmosphere help reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation that reaches the earths surface?
Oxygen in the atmosphere helps to absorb and scatter incoming ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This process occurs in the stratosphere, where oxygen molecules break apart the incoming UV radiation. This absorption and scattering of UV radiation by oxygen prevent a large amount of harmful UV radiation from reaching the Earth's surface.
What is the earths sunblock?
The ozone layer acts as a sort of 'sunblock' for the earth, limiting the amount of UV radiation that enters the atmosphere.
Why is it assumed that the amount of c-14 in the atmosphere remains constant?
It is assumed that the amount of C-14 in the atmosphere remains constant because the production of C-14 by cosmic rays and its decay into nitrogen-14 are in equilibrium. This equilibrium has been established over thousands of years, leading to a relatively stable concentration of C-14 in the atmosphere.
What does the amount of energy in the atmosphere depend on?
The amount of energy in the atmosphere depends on factors such as incoming solar radiation, the Earth's surface temperature, greenhouse gas concentrations, and atmospheric circulation patterns. This energy drives weather systems and influences climate patterns globally.
Does the amount of hydrogen in the atmosphere remain constant?
Hydrogen rises above our atmosphere to the outer limit and then gets blown away by 'solar wind'. So it is decreasing.
How to calculate the solar constant and what does it represent in the context of solar energy?
The solar constant is the amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth's atmosphere per unit area. It is typically measured as 1.366 kilowatts per square meter. To calculate the solar constant, scientists use measurements from satellites and ground-based instruments to determine the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth. In the context of solar energy, the solar constant represents the maximum amount of energy that can be harnessed from the sun at a given location. This value is important for understanding the potential for solar energy generation and for designing solar power systems.
What is the formula for solar constant?
The formula for solar constant is: Solar Constant = Total solar irradiance at the top of Earth's atmosphere / Earth's surface area. In simpler terms, it is the amount of solar radiation received per unit area at the top of the Earth's atmosphere.
