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What causes climate and weather?
The Earth's temperature is relatively stable because there is a balance between absorbed incoming solar radiation and emitted terrestrial radiation. Based on the amount of solar radiation absorbed at the Earth's surface, the Earth heats up and then re-emits longer wave radiation in order to keep its temperature at equilibrium. The temperature at which this emission occurs is called the radiative equilibrium temperature, and it is only 255K (-18C, 0F). This is much colder than the actual surface temperature of 288 K (15C, 59F).
How can the Earth be warmer than it should be based on incoming solar radiation? Click here to find out!
In addition to entering and leaving the Earth's atmosphere, energy also moves around the world to help even out the distribution of heat. The next section can tell you more!
Back to climate topics
Links and resources
The Earth's temperature is relatively stable because there is a balance between absorbed incoming solar radiation and emitted terrestrial radiation. Based on the amount of solar radiation absorbed at the Earth's surface, the Earth heats up and then re-emits longer wave radiation in order to keep its temperature at equilibrium. The temperature at which this emission occurs is called the radiative equilibrium temperature, and it is only 255K (-18C, 0F). This is much colder than the actual surface temperature of 288 K (15C, 59F).
How can the Earth be warmer than it should be based on incoming solar radiation? Click here to find out!
In addition to entering and leaving the Earth's atmosphere, energy also moves around the world to help even out the distribution of heat. The next section can tell you more!
Back to climate topics
Links and resources
