Earth's Energy Budget

Front

What percentage of the sun's incoming energy does the Earth reflect?

Back

30%

Front

How much of the sun's energy is absorbed by the surface (including oceans) of Earth?

Back

51%

Front

What human activity adds excess greenhouse gases, such as CO2, into the atmosphere?

Back

Burning fossil fuels

Front

Which type of radiation is responsible for sunburns?

Back

Ultraviolet

Front

What is the trapping of heat in the Earth's atmosphere by gases such as CO2 called?

Back

Greenhouse effect

Front

What is the main source of energy for Earth's climate system?

Back

The Sun

Front

What is the term for the balance between incoming solar energy and outgoing heat energy from Earth?

Back

Earth's Energy Budget

Front

What are greenhouse gases?

Back

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as CO2, methane, and water vapor.

Front

What is the role of clouds in Earth's energy budget?

Back

Clouds reflect some solar energy and trap heat, affecting temperature.

Front

What is solar radiation?

Back

Energy emitted by the sun, including visible light, ultraviolet, and infrared radiation.