Environment: The Science Behind the Stories (5th Edition)
Environment: The Science Behind the Stories (5th Edition)
5th Edition
ISBN: 9780321897428
Author: Jay H. Withgott, Matthew Laposata
Publisher: PEARSON
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 18, Problem 1TYC
To determine

The consequences that occur when solar radiation reaches the Earth and also the way in which the greenhouse gases warm the lower atmosphere.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1TYC

About 70% of incoming solar radiation will be absorbed by the atmosphere or surface of the Earth and the remaining 30% reflected back into the space. Greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere absorbs the outgoing solar radiation from the surface and then reradiated and thereby warms the air.

Explanation of Solution

There are three natural factors that regulate the climate of Earth, namely sun, atmosphere and ocean. The Sun is the ultimate source of energy that warms Earth and prevents it from freezing. The atmosphere helps in maintaining relatively constant day and night temperature and the ocean store and transport moisture and heat. These three factors maintain a fairly constant temperature on Earth.

About 70 percent of total incoming solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth while remaining 30 percent is reflected back into the space. The incoming solar radiation controls a range of processes from photosynthesis to wind movements to evaporation.

The surface of earth absorbs radiation from sun during day and emits infrared radiation having longer wavelength than that of visible light during night. The infrared radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases such as water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide present in troposphere. This absorption warms the Earth and thereby helps to maintain a constant temperature on Earth.

The burning of fossil fuels produces greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. The increase in levels of these gases in the atmosphere leads to more absorption of infrared radiation. As a result warming of lower atmosphere occurs and this phenomenon is known as greenhouse effect.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Exercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134041360
Author:Greg Carbone
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science
Earth Science
ISBN:9781260153125
Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham Professor
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education
Text book image
Earth Science (15th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134543536
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
Earth Science
ISBN:9781337569613
Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Physical Geology
Earth Science
ISBN:9781259916823
Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, Lisa
Publisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,