As greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, increase in the atmosphere, the increase in radiative forcing results in higher surface temperatures, increased water-holding capacity of the atmosphere , increased evaporation, and larger water vapor amounts.
What does more solar radiation lead to?
Higher up, in the stratosphere, the ozone layer absorbs solar ultra-violet radiation and affects how much of the Sun’s heat is radiated back into space. The ozone layer shields us from the harmful effects of excessive UV radiation, which can lead to sunburn, skin cancer and eye damage .
What would happen if the Earth absorb more radiation?
The conclusion provides evidence both of planetary warming and of the lag in the response of the planet to the warming created by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere – gases which trap infrared heat, preventing it from dissipating into space. ...
What change is caused by the absorption of solar radiation?
Absorption is defined as a process in which solar radiation is retained by a substance and converted into heat energy . The creation of heat energy also causes the substance to emit its own radiation.
How does solar radiation affect the climate?
Researchers have shown that UV radiation affects climate through direct heating and the production and destruction of ozone in the stratosphere , which then leads to regional effects at Earth’s surface through a complex chain of mechanisms.
What is the fundamental energy balance for Earth?
Earth’s energy balance refers to the balance between the amount of incoming solar radiation and outgoing terrestrial radiation . In a 1-year period, the overall average flow of energy to and from Earth must balance, or the global mean (average) temperature of Earth would change.
Which material absorbs the most solar radiation?
A “flat black” material having no glossy reflections absorbs the most solar energy. Conversely, light colors reflect more light than dark ones, and white reflects the most.
What are the 4 main effects of solar radiation on Earth?
- atmospheric effects, including absorption and scattering;
- local variations in the atmosphere, such as water vapour, clouds, and pollution;
- latitude of the location; and.
- the season of the year and the time of day.
What time of day is solar radiation at a maximum?
In the early morning and late afternoon, the sun is low in the sky. Its rays travel further through the atmosphere than at noon , when the sun is at its highest point. On a clear day, the greatest amount of solar energy reaches a solar collector around solar noon.
Which part of the earth gets the most direct sunlight?
During the summer solstice, the Sun shines most directly on the Tropic of Cancer , 23.5 degrees north of the equator, giving its most direct energy on Earth to the Northern Hemisphere.
What reduces incoming solar radiation?
For example, whitening clouds , injecting particles into the stratosphere, or putting sunshades in space could increase Earth’s reflectivity, thereby reducing incoming solar radiation and offsetting some of the warming associated with increasing GHG concentrations.
What 3 things can happen to incoming solar radiation?
This incoming solar radiation may be scattered, reflected, or absorbed . ... Air molecules and aerosols scatter solar radiation in the atmosphere. Air molecules are much smaller than the wavelengths of visible light striking them.
What can happen to solar radiation after it has been absorbed and re radiated by Earth materials?
Shortwave solar radiation that’s absorbed by Earth’s surface or atmosphere is re-radiated it as longwave, infrared radiation, also known as heat. The more solar radiation is absorbed, the more heat is re-radiated and the temperature of the atmosphere goes up .
What is the relationship between solar radiation and temperature?
When the sun’s rays strike Earth’s surface near the equator, the incoming solar radiation is more direct (nearly perpendicular or closer to a 90 ̊ angle). Therefore, the solar radiation is concentrated over a smaller surface area, causing warmer temperatures.
Is solar radiation increasing?
Since the late 1970s, the amount of solar radiation the sun emits, during times of quiet sunspot activity, has increased by nearly . 05 percent per decade , according to a NASA funded study.
What affects the amount of solar radiation?
The intensity of the solar radiation at a given location depends on your latitude, terrain, season, time of day, and atmospheric conditions . For example, clouds, dust, and water vapor all affect the amount of radiation that reaches the surface at any given location.
