Notes

Outline

Discussion 2: Earth’s Energy Balance

Composition of the Atmosphere

Solar Flux Emitted From The Sun  Solar Luminosity (L)      the constant flux of energy put out by the sun                          L = 3.9 x 1026   W  Solar Flux Density (Sd)      the amount of solar energy per unit area on a sphere centered at the Sun with a distance d                          Sd  = L / (4 p d2)   W/m2

Slide 4

Solar Energy Incident On the Earth  Solar energy incident on the Earth       =  total amount of solar energy can be absorbed by Earth       =  (Solar constant) x (Shadow Area)       =  S x p R2Earth

Albedo = [Reflected] / [Incoming] Sunlight

Solar Energy Absorbed by Earth

What Happens After the Earth Absorbs Solar Energy?  The Earth warms up and has to emit radiative  energy back to the space to reach a equilibrium condition.  The radiation emitted by the Earth is called “terrestrial radiation” which is assumed to be like blackbody radiation.

Energy Emitted from Earth

Planetary Energy Balance

Polarward Energy Transport

How Do Atmosphere and Ocean Transport Heat?

How Surface and Deep Ocean Circulation Are Driven?

Slide 14

Slide 15

Slide 16