Climate Lesson 1: The Earths Thermal Equilibrium
OUTCOME
By the end of this lesson you will be able to describe the key factors that effect the thermal equilibrium of the earth. You will explain how these measures are made and their reliability
Electromagnetic Radiation is emitted by all objects above absolute zero
The Power emitted by an object is related to the fourth power of its absolute temperature
The Earth's Temperature is in Thermal Equilibrium and is determined by the balance between Energy absorbed by the sun and energy radiated out into space
LEARNING TASKS
Explain
Watch this video about Thermal Radiation
Watch these three short screencasts on Temperature and Radiation:
Describe the role of both
(i) the Sun's Radiation reaching the Earth and
(ii) Thermal Radiation emitted by the Earth in determining the Equilibrium Temperature of the Earth
Explore and Elaborate
Watch this video about the Earths Energy Budget:
What are some of the other factors that affect the Earth's Temperature
Venus has a 'Runaway Greenhouse Effect" How did this occur?
What is CERES ?
How does it measure the Earths Temperature?
Evaluate
Work through sample problem 1 & 2, p. 39, 41
Try Exercise 2.2