Session 2:
Atmospheric Energy Balance

Solar energy is the ultimate source of all weather, and in thissession, we discuss how that energy is transferred within the atmosphere. In this session you will have the chance to explore concepts of radiation, energy transfer, and the importances of energyin the atmosphere.

Session Objectives

How much of this do I already know?

Part 1: Energy and Heat Transfer
• Radiation
• Conduction
• Convection
• Advection

Part 2: Radiation Basics

• Electromagnetic Spectrum
• Albedo

Part 3: Factors Influencing Energy Balance

• Ground Cover
• Cloud Cover
• Greenhouse Gases
• Pollution

Part 4: Energy Balance

• Solar Constant
• Earth's Energy Balance
• Latent Heat
• Bowen Ratio
• Daily Temperature Variations

Focus on Air Quality

Session Questions

Critique This Session

Begin this session: Part 1: Energy and Heat Transfer

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The Shodor Education Foundation, Inc.
Copyright © 1996