1-12: Global Energy Balance

Importance of this Unit to the Course

The characteristics of solar radiation and atmospheric chemistry as described in previous units will be used in this unit as a basis for understanding the heating and cooling of the Earth's surface. What we learn in this unit will be the basis for understanding global warming and its consequences for the future of ecosystems.

Objectives

To understand the processes and pathways of energy transformation from solar radiation coming into the earth system to infrared radiation returning to outer space.
To understand the significance of greenhouse gases in establishing the natural energy balance of the earth system and how changes in greenhouse gases change heating and cooling rates.

Preparation for Discussion (You must complete this section before class.)

Read the summary information. (Print text for offline revies; images only.)

Take the Quiz

Review additional reading material (this material is not covered in the quiz, but offers more ideas for online discussion)

Introduction to the Global Climate System

Discussion (online / face-to-face) (See your portfolio for due dates and times)

A major component of the course is participation in the online dialog. The following types of comments are required:

Social Comments
Knowledge-building Comments
Ethical Comments

The following may be used as discussion starters for the online dialog:

Unit Problem to Ponder:

Planet earth emits the exact same amount of energy back to outer space that it receives from the sun. Then how can the surface of the planet warm up without upsetting this energy balance?
Unit exam questions from previous years
Unit discussions from previous years, available from the current online discussion

Additional Reading