This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Most of the radiant energy emitted by Earth is in the form of ________ radiation. Fill in the ... (Read 93 times)

Evvie72

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 519
Most of the radiant energy emitted by Earth is in the form of ________ radiation.
 
  Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Question 2

Discuss the mechanisms and important details of surface-atmosphere radiation exchange.
 
  What will be an ideal response?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

aloop

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 315
Answer to Question 1

Answer: longwave (or thermal infrared)

Answer to Question 2

Answer: Longwave radiation: The atmosphere absorbs most of the longwave radiation emitted by Earth's surface. This increases the temperature of the atmosphere, which causes it to radiate more energy outward. The energy radiated by the atmosphere is transferred in all directions, including downward, and so the surface receives a considerable portion of this radiation. This causes surface heating. Conduction: As radiant energy is absorbed by a solid Earth surface during the middle of the day, a temperature gradient (a rate of change of temperature over distance) develops in the upper few centimeters of the ground. In other words, temperatures near the surface become greater than those a few centimeters below. As a result, conduction transfers energy downward. At night the reverse process occurs; the topmost portion of the ground cools by the loss of longwave radiation and becomes colder than the underlying volume. Energy is then conducted upward. Convection: Convection is a process whereby heat is transferred by the bodily movement of a fluidthat is, a liquid or gas. In contrast to conduction, convection involves the actual displacement of molecules. Unlike conduction, which transfers energy from the surface to the atmosphere, convection circulates this heat between the very lowest and the remaining portions of the atmosphere. The direction of heat transfer is upward when the surface temperature exceeds the air temperature (the normal situation in the middle of the day). At night the surface typically cools more rapidly than the air, and energy is transferred downward. Convection can be generated by two processes in fluids: local heating (free convection) and mechanical stirring (forced convection).





 

Did you know?

The first oncogene was discovered in 1970 and was termed SRC (pronounced "SARK").

Did you know?

The calories found in one piece of cherry cheesecake could light a 60-watt light bulb for 1.5 hours.

Did you know?

On average, someone in the United States has a stroke about every 40 seconds. This is about 795,000 people per year.

Did you know?

The average human gut is home to perhaps 500 to 1,000 different species of bacteria.

Did you know?

Every flu season is different, and even healthy people can get extremely sick from the flu, as well as spread it to others. The flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Every person over six months of age should get an annual flu vaccine. The vaccine cannot cause you to get influenza, but in some seasons, may not be completely able to prevent you from acquiring influenza due to changes in causative viruses. The viruses in the flu shot are killed—there is no way they can give you the flu. Minor side effects include soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given. It is possible to develop a slight fever, and body aches, but these are simply signs that the body is responding to the vaccine and making itself ready to fight off the influenza virus should you come in contact with it.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library