NASA | Aqua CERES: Tracking Earth's Heat Balance

The video explains how Earth's temperature is influenced by solar radiation and greenhouse gases, which alter the radiation balance. NASA uses instruments like CERES and MODIS on satellites to measure these changes. Natural events such as La Nina, El Nino, and volcanic activity also impact the energy budget. Researchers use long-term data to identify trends in global warming, supported by measurements of ocean heat, sea level rise, and land ice volume.

What is the primary source of heat for the Earth?

How do greenhouse gases affect the radiation balance at the top of the atmosphere?

What role do natural events like La Nina and El Nino play in the Earth's energy budget?

How long have the series instruments been measuring the Earth's temperature?

What types of measurements can be used to understand changes in the climate system?