Session Objectives

Session 2: Atmospheric Energy Balance

Upon completion of this session, a participant should be able to do the following:
  1. Distinguish between the following forms of energy transfer:

  2. Describe the structure of the electromagnetic spectrum, including the relative intensities of radiation released by the sun and earth at various wavelengths.

  3. Define albedo and give relative magnitudes of albedo for various surfaces.

  4. Explain the effects of the following on the energy balance within the atmosphere:

  5. Define the solar constant and give its typical value.

  6. Compare the amount of incoming radiation with outgoing radiation in the atmosphere, and how this affects daily temperature variations.

On to Session 2 Assessment


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