Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Science Source/Photo Researchers
Illumination of clouds over the Pacific Ocean by the sun. The sun sends a continuous stream of electromagnetic energy
to Earth. This energy interacts with Earth in a wide variety of ways that are discussed in this chapter.
L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E S
C H A P T E R P R E V I E W
1.
Describe the fundamental components of the
electromagnetic spectrum and how they differ from
one another.
2.
Discuss the various components of the atmosphere.
3.
Compare and contrast the processes of conduction,
convection, and radiation as methods of heat transfer.
4.
Explain the flow of radiation from the Sun to Earth and
how absorption, reflection, scattering, and albedo
influence the system.
5.
Discuss the various components of the global radiation
budget and how the system achieves balance.
6.
Understand why solar energy is a renewable energy
source and the challenges associated with its
production.
The Electromagnetic spectrum
and solar Energy
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Composition of the Atmosphere
The Flow of solar Radiation on Earth
The Angle of Incidence
The global Radiation budget
The Global Energy Budget
Human Interactions: solar Energy
Production
