The effect that occurs when solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth's surface and then re-radiated into the atmosphere, where it gets trapped, is known as the greenhouse effect. This process involves greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation, which warms the atmosphere and the Earth's surface. While this natural phenomenon is essential for maintaining a habitable climate, human activities have intensified the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change.
Some is absorbed by molecules in the atmosphere (such as ultraviolet absorption by ozone), some is absorbed on the surface, and some is reflected by clouds or the surface back into space. The surface will re-radiate much of the absorbed solar radiation as infrared (thermal) radiation, and some of this is then absorbed by atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.
Radiation directed at Earth can be absorbed or scattered by the atmosphere before reaching the surface. Different types of radiation can interact with particles in the atmosphere, causing them to be reflected, absorbed, or scattered in different directions, preventing them from reaching the Earth's surface in full intensity.
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%
Heat absorbed by Earth's surface is transferred back into the atmosphere through a process called infrared radiation. The surface of the Earth re-emits the absorbed heat as long-wave radiation, which escapes into the atmosphere. This outgoing radiation warms the air molecules it comes into contact with, contributing to the overall heat balance of our planet.
The types of radiation that can reach the surface of Earth include visible light, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and some infrared radiation from the sun. Additionally, cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles from space, can also penetrate the Earth's atmosphere, although they are mostly absorbed. However, most harmful forms of radiation, such as gamma rays and X-rays, are absorbed by the atmosphere and do not reach the surface.
Clouds play a crucial role in the Earth's energy balance by absorbing outgoing infrared radiation emitted from the surface. This absorbed energy is then reradiated back toward the Earth, which helps to warm the atmosphere and surface. This process contributes to the greenhouse effect, ultimately influencing climate and weather patterns. Additionally, the presence of clouds can affect the amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface, further impacting temperatures.
About 50% of the sun's radiation that reaches Earth's atmosphere is absorbed by the Earth's surface. The remaining energy is either reflected back to space or absorbed by the atmosphere.
Approximately 70% of the solar radiation that arrives at the top of the Earth's atmosphere is absorbed by the Earth's surface, while the remaining portion is reflected back into space or absorbed by the atmosphere.
Some is absorbed by molecules in the atmosphere (such as ultraviolet absorption by ozone), some is absorbed on the surface, and some is reflected by clouds or the surface back into space. The surface will re-radiate much of the absorbed solar radiation as infrared (thermal) radiation, and some of this is then absorbed by atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.
Most of the solar radiation is absorbed when it reaches the surface of the earth. Some of the solar radiation is also absorbed in the atmosphere.
Radiation directed at Earth can be absorbed or scattered by the atmosphere before reaching the surface. Different types of radiation can interact with particles in the atmosphere, causing them to be reflected, absorbed, or scattered in different directions, preventing them from reaching the Earth's surface in full intensity.
Approximately 51% of incoming solar radiation is absorbed by Earth's surface. The rest is reflected back into space or absorbed by the atmosphere.
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%
Solar radiation that is not reflected is absorbed by clouds, the atmosphere and 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%Source: (NASA)
It is absorbed by the atmosphere
When radiation reaches Earth's surface, it can be absorbed, reflected, or scattered. The amount of radiation that is absorbed can contribute to heating of the surface and atmosphere. This process is fundamental for maintaining Earth's energy balance and climate.
The amount of radiation absorbed by the Earth's surface varies depending on factors such as location, time of day, and cloud cover. On average, about half of the solar radiation that reaches the Earth's atmosphere is absorbed by the surface, where it is then transformed into heat energy.