Solar Energy Journey Quiz

The Journey of Solar Energy

• Only 27% of the original sunbeam reaches the Earth's surface without being absorbed, scattered, or reflected.
• 47% of radiant energy reaches the ground as a combination of direct radiation and diffuse radiation.
• Earth re-radiates incoming radiation as terrestrial radiation, moving heat energy away from the surface.
• Heat is carried upwards from the Earth in convection currents and some heat is transferred by conduction.
• The atmosphere traps long-wave terrestrial radiation, heating it from below, creating a natural greenhouse effect.
• Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and nitrous oxide contribute to the natural greenhouse effect.
• Human activities have increased the concentrations of greenhouse gases, leading to a warming trend.
• The unbalanced atmosphere energy systems have cascading effects on physical and biological processes.
• The amount of energy trapped by the greenhouse effect depends on the location on the globe.
• Large horizontal circulation systems, like ocean currents and wind systems, move excess heat from low latitudes to the poles.
• Energy transfer from the equator to the poles drives the general circulation of the atmosphere around the globe.
• The atmosphere and its energy systems are the basic ingredients for weather and climate, making it possible for specific crops to grow in certain regions.