Using the fluxes and quantities in the above diagram, write an energy balance equation for the atmosphere. Include all energy inputs to the atmosphere and outputs from the atmosphere that are depicted, with amounts (W/m2). Note: This is conceptually similar to a water balance equation, but here it is for energy. Hint: Use the quantities above to determine the proportion of incoming solar energy (342 W/m2) that comprises each flux.

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
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Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
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Using the fluxes and quantities in the above diagram, write an energy balance equation for the atmosphere. Include all energy inputs to the atmosphere and outputs from the atmosphere that are depicted, with amounts (W/m2). Note: This is conceptually similar to a water balance equation, but here it is for energy. Hint: Use the quantities above to determine the proportion of incoming solar energy (342 W/m2) that comprises each flux. 

Space
Atmos-
phere
Ocean
and
land
Incoming
100
Solar (shortwave) radiation
Backscattering
by air
16
Absorption
by atmosphere
Absorption
by surface
Reflected
20
Reflection
by clouds
Absorption
by clouds
Reflection
by surface
20
Terrestrial (longwave) radiation
Net radiant
emission by
surface
Heating of surface
Outgoing
38
Net radiant
emission by
greenhouse
gases
14 Net
absorption by
greenhouse
& clouds
Net sensible
heat flux
50
26
Net radiant
emission by
clouds
Net latent
heat flux
Transcribed Image Text:Space Atmos- phere Ocean and land Incoming 100 Solar (shortwave) radiation Backscattering by air 16 Absorption by atmosphere Absorption by surface Reflected 20 Reflection by clouds Absorption by clouds Reflection by surface 20 Terrestrial (longwave) radiation Net radiant emission by surface Heating of surface Outgoing 38 Net radiant emission by greenhouse gases 14 Net absorption by greenhouse & clouds Net sensible heat flux 50 26 Net radiant emission by clouds Net latent heat flux
Expert Solution
Step 1

Introduction

The energy balance equation for the atmosphere can be written as follows:

Incoming solar radiation = Outgoing reflected solar radiation + Outgoing thermal radiation + Sensible heat flux + Latent heat flux.

Let's now try to solve the equation with the help of the given information and using the heat flux equation. 

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