Chapter 2: Energy Entering and Leaving Earth’s System

Energy Dynamics in Earth's System

• Overall tendency in data over time is referred to as a trend, while fluctuations indicate variations in that data.
• Energy entering and leaving Earth's system plays a crucial role in temperature changes.
• Increase in carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) concentrations leads to higher temperatures due to more energy being absorbed rather than exiting.

Impact of Greenhouse Gases

• Higher CO₂ and CH₄ levels decrease the energy that exits the Earth system, resulting in more energy entering than leaving.
• Conversely, reducing CO₂ and CH₄ increases the amount of energy exiting, leading to less energy absorbed overall.

Melting Ice and Rising Temperatures

• Earth's surface ice is melting as a result of rising average temperatures linked to increased energy absorption.
• Since 1880, a consistent trend shows rising temperatures and diminishing ice extent.

Atmospheric Changes Affecting Energy Absorption

• Increased CO₂ or CH₄ results in heightened energy absorption; decreased levels lead to reduced absorption.
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels do not significantly affect energy absorption.
• Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) increases yield a decrease in energy absorption.

Definitions and Concepts

• Climate refers to long-term weather patterns, while climate change denotes significant alterations in these patterns due to natural and human-induced factors.

Learn about the energy entering and leaving Earth's system, including how temperature increases with the amount of carbon dioxide or methane. Explore how the amount of energy absorbed by Earth's surface can change.