Earth Annual Energy Balance

 Earth's energy balance is a fundamental concept in climate science

that describes how energy flows into, through and out of the
Earth’s system. It is the delicate equilibrium between the energy
Earth receives from the Sun and the energy it radiates back into
space. This balance is crucial because it determines the planet's
climate and temperature, ultimately making Earth habitable.

1. Solar Radiation

 Reflection- 30% - 6% atmosphere, 20% clouds, 4% ground

 Absorption – 70% - 51% land & water, 19% space
 Re-radiation – 70% - 64% clouds, 6% ground
 The shortest wavelength of solar radiation (those most
dangerous to life) are absorbed by molecules in the upper
and middle atmosphere.
 In particular, ozone selectively absorbs ultraviolet radiation
while allowing visible radiation to pass through relatively
unhindered.
 Reflection significantly affect the solar radiation that reaches
the ground, as the sun’s rays could be reflected off of air
molecules (termed scattering) clouds or the ground itself.

(light-colored or shiny objects reflect more radiation than dark objects.

Energy that is reflected cannot be absorbed or transmitted through an
object. The primary source of energy for Earth is the Sun. Solar radiation, also
known as shortwave radiation, includes visible light, ultraviolet light, and other
forms of electromagnetic energy. About 30% of this incoming solar energy is
reflected back into space by clouds, atmospheric particles, and Earth's surface
(a phenomenon known as albedo). The remaining 70% is absorbed by the
atmosphere, oceans, and land, warming the planet.)

2. Terrestrial Radiation
 The earth surface, atmosphere, and clouds emit radiation in
the infrared band near-infrared band.
  Outgoing infrared (IR) radiation from the earth surface (also
called terrestrial radiation) is selectively absorbed by certain
molecules, particularly water vapor and carbon dioxide.
 Gases which absorb IR radiation are termed collectively as
“greenhouse gases”
 Water vapor and carbon dioxide infrared radiation.

The earth in turn, emits energy back into space in the form of longwave
radiation, primarily infrared energy. This energy is absorbed and re-
emitted by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere a process known as the
greenhouse effect, which help to keep the planet warm enough to
support life.

3. Energy Distribution and heat transport

 Uneven Energy Distribution:

Solar energy is unevenly distributed across the Earth's surface due to its curvature and
tilt, with the equator receiving more direct sunlight and the poles receiving less,
leading to temperature gradients across the planet.

 Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation:

The uneven heating of the Earth's surface drives atmospheric and oceanic circulation
patterns, such as wind currents and ocean currents, which redistribute heat from
warmer regions (tropics) to cooler regions (poles).

 Conduction and Convection:

Heat transfer within the Earth's atmosphere and oceans occurs through conduction
(direct transfer of heat between molecules) and convection (movement of warm air or
water rising and cooler air or water sinking), helping to balance temperature
differences.

The energy absorbed by earth is not evenly distributed due to factors like the angle of
solar incidence, the distribution of land and water, and the presence of clouds and ice.
The equator, for instance, receives more solar energy than the poles. This uneven
distribution leads to the transfer of energy through the atmosphere and oceans via
processes like convention, conduction and radiation, helping to regulate temperature
across the globe.

Balance and Imbalance:

  Balanced State: When the incoming energy from the Sun equals the outgoing energy
radiated back into space, the Earth's climate remains stable, maintaining a relatively
constant average temperature.
 Imbalance: Any changes in the factors affecting incoming or outgoing energy can
create an imbalance. For example, an increase in greenhouse gases can trap more heat,
leading to global warming and climate change.

Energy imbalance causes global warming, leading to rising

temperatures, sea level rise, and increased extreme weather
events. This disrupts ecosystems, altering species distributions and
reducing biodiversity. The imbalance also threatens human
communities, particularly in coastal and vulnerable areas, by
exacerbating flooding, droughts, and food insecurity, with
widespread environmental and societal consequences.

SEASONS
- We have the four seasons
- 1. Winter
- 2. Autumn
- 3. Summer
- 4. Spring

Characteristics of Each Season

1. Spring:
o Weather: Warming temperatures, increasing daylight, and frequent rainfall.
o Meteorological Significance: Transition period from the cold of winter to the
heat of summer; often associated with the blossoming of plants and increased
animal activity.
2. Summer:
o Weather: Hotter temperatures, longer days, and often drier conditions,
although some regions may experience monsoon or rainy seasons.
o Meteorological Significance: Peak of the solar energy received by the Earth;
in many regions, this is the season with the highest temperatures and the most
intense solar radiation.
3. Fall (Autumn):
 o Weather: Cooling temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and a mix of dry and
wet conditions depending on the region.
o Meteorological Significance: Another transition period, this time from the
heat of summer to the cold of winter; often marked by falling leaves in
deciduous forests and harvest seasons in agriculture.
4. Winter:
o Weather: Cold temperatures, shorter days, and in many regions, snow or ice.
o Meteorological Significance: The Earth receives the least solar energy during
this period; in polar regions, this can lead to extended periods of darkness
(polar night).

June Solstice

 Date: Around June 21.

 Significance: Marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter
in the Southern Hemisphere.
 Daylight: The longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere (summer solstice)
and the shortest day in the Southern Hemisphere (winter solstice).
 Sun's Position: The Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N).

December Solstice

 Date: Around December 21.

 Significance: Marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer
in the Southern Hemisphere.
 Daylight: The shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere (winter solstice)
and the longest day in the Southern Hemisphere (summer solstice).
 Sun's Position: The Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S).

March Equinox

 Date: Around March 20.

 Significance: Marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn
in the Southern Hemisphere.
 Daylight: Nearly equal length of day and night across the globe.
 Sun's Position: The Sun is directly over the equator.

September Equinox

 Date: Around September 22.

 Significance: Marks the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring
in the Southern Hemisphere.
 Daylight: Nearly equal length of day and night across the globe.
 Sun's Position: The Sun is directly over the equator.

Summary

 Solstices: June and December solstices mark the extremes of daylight length, with the
Sun reaching its highest or lowest point in the sky.
 Equinoxes: March and September equinoxes are times when day and night are nearly
equal, with the Sun directly above the equator.