Solar Energy and Heating the Atmosphere

Radiation

Energy comes from the sun as radiant energy

Radiation from the Sun can be visible (light) or invisible (infrared, UV, etc.)

Radiation

Radiation – energy that travels as waves or rays through space between objects and materials

ex. Sun radiates energy to Earth Campfire radiates energy to your hands

Radiation

When radiant energy strikes a molecule in sand, soil, water, or air, the molecule gains energy and begins to move faster.

In other words, the molecule absorbed radiant energy.

HeatWhile Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules in a sample of matter, Heat is the sum of all the energy from the molecules in a sample of matter.For example, while a candle flame and bonfire have the same temperature, the bonfire creates more heat because more molecules are moving!

Differential Heating

Differential Heating – different materials heat up at different rates

For example, this accounts for the difference in temperature of water and soil after they have both been in the lamp light for the same length of time.

Conduction

Conduction – energy transfer between molecules when they come in contact with each other

Convection

Convection – transfer of energy from one place to another in a gas or liquid via a current

Putting it all Together

How does energy transfer via radiation, conduction, and convection heat the atmosphere?

Radiation, Conduction, & Convection

Energy Transfer

Re-radiation

Heating the Atmosphere

1. Radiation from Sun absorbed by surface

2a. Surface reradiates energy to the air2b. Surface conducts energy to air molecules

3. Air molecules conduct energy to other air molecules, resulting in convection currents