Earth's Energy Budget
Explore the fundamental concepts of Earth's energy budget, including incoming solar radiation, absorption, reflection, and the greenhouse effect.
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Earth's Energy Budget
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your knowledge. For multiple-choice questions, circle the letter next to the correct answer. For fill-in-the-blank and short-answer questions, write your answers in the space provided.
1. What is the primary source of energy for Earth's climate system?
Geothermal energy
Solar radiation
Lunar tides
Chemical reactions
2. Approximately what percentage of incoming solar radiation is reflected back into space by Earth's atmosphere and surface?
10%
30%
50%
70%
3. The balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing heat from Earth is known as the .
4. Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are called gases.
5. The reflectivity of a surface, such as ice or clouds, is called its .
6. Explain the difference between absorption and reflection of solar radiation by Earth.
7. Describe the greenhouse effect and its importance to Earth's temperature.
8. All incoming solar radiation is absorbed by Earth's surface.
True
False
9. A higher albedo means a surface reflects less solar radiation.
True
False
10. Observe the diagram below showing solar radiation interacting with Earth. Label the processes of 'Reflection' and 'Absorption' in the provided text boxes.
Label 1:
Label 2: