Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Absorbed by
clouds, 3%
Scattered to
space by dust,
7%
Reflected to space
by clouds, 21%
Reflected to space
by surface, 3%
Absorbed by
ozone, 3%
Absorbed directly by
atmospheric water
vapor and dust, 18%
Reflected down to
Earth (indirect
radiation), 20%
Direct radiation
reaching Earth, 25%
Figure 4.16 Interaction of solar radiation with various components of the atmosphere.
Note
that solar radiation is absorbed, stored, and reflected in many ways, and that about half the overall
amount actually reaches the Earth's surface.
Reflection from
air and dust, 4%
Cloudy sky
Clear sky
Reflection by
clouds, 30%-60%
Absorption by
air and dust, 16%
Absorption in
clouds, 5%-20%
Reaches
ground,
10%-45%
Reaches
ground, 80%
Figure 4.17 Variation in the receipt of solar radiation based on cloud cover.
Areas of dense
clouds reflect more radiation than areas of clear sky.
