In this chapter, we have considered
the Earth-Atmosphere system as a sort of energy-processing device.
Overall the system receives a steady input of radiation from the
sun, although its distribution varies considerably with time,
season and location. The system returns a roughly equal amount
of energy to space in the form of longwave radiation. Within the
system, energy flows in various forms: as radiation and as sensible
and latent heat transfer through the processes of conduction and
convection. These various energy fluxes are intimately connected
to the various atmospheric events we recognize as weather; in
fact, weather events are a response to radiative forcing of the
atmosphere.
To understand specifics of energy transport, we developed a rather
detailed model of the physics of radiation. The concept of the
photon as a bundle of radiant energy, the Stefan-Boltzmann formula,
and Wien's Law are important concepts of this model.
 Simulation 1 (1269.0K)
|
2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education