Exam 2: The Earths Global Energy Balance

The gas argon accounts for about _____ of dry air.

If the earth's axis was perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic, insolation would be:

On this figure, the subtropical zones are labeled:

On a clear day, about ____ of insolation is absorbed by gas molecules and dust before reaching the ground.

Explain how and why the greenhouse effect occurs.

Which of the following phenomena are powered by solar energy?

The ozone layer in the upper atmosphere absorbs dangerous ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Gamma rays and X-rays are two forms of longwave radiation emitted by the earth.

The process in which solar radiation is deflected in different directions when it strikes some form of matter is called:

Estimates of the Earth's average albedo range between:

On this figure, the mid-latitude zones are labeled:

Describe and explain the two key factors that affect daily insolation.

The process in which incoming solar radiation is deflected in different directions by atmospheric molecules and particles is called scattering.

On a cloudy day, generally less than 50% of the incoming solar radiation will pass through the atmosphere and reach the earth's surface.

On the equator, the sun will reach its highest position in the sky on the:

The gas carbon dioxide accounts for about _____ of dry air.

On average, the Earth reflects about _______ of the solar radiation it receives back to space.

The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the Earth is __________ radiation.

Relatively cool objects, like the Earth's surface, primarily radiate _______ energy.

Which of the daily solar paths shown in this figure illustrates the situation for the equinoxes, at a latitude of 40ᵒ north.