Outgoing terrestrial radiation

Definition

Outgoing terrestrial radiation refers to the thermal infrared energy emitted by the Earth back into space after it absorbs sunlight. This process is crucial for regulating Earth's temperature and is a key component of the energy balance, as it helps to maintain equilibrium between incoming solar energy and outgoing heat, influencing climate and weather patterns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Outgoing terrestrial radiation primarily occurs at infrared wavelengths, which are not visible to the human eye but play a crucial role in Earth's energy balance.
2. The amount of outgoing terrestrial radiation can vary depending on surface temperature, atmospheric conditions, and cloud cover, affecting local and global climates.
3. Increased concentrations of greenhouse gases lead to less outgoing terrestrial radiation escaping into space, contributing to global warming.
4. The balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing terrestrial radiation is essential for maintaining a stable climate system on Earth.
5. Monitoring outgoing terrestrial radiation helps scientists understand climate change and predict future shifts in weather patterns and temperatures.

Review Questions

• How does outgoing terrestrial radiation contribute to Earth's energy balance?
  • Outgoing terrestrial radiation plays a vital role in Earth's energy balance by providing a mechanism through which the planet can release heat absorbed from sunlight. This process ensures that the energy received from the sun is matched by an equal amount of energy emitted back into space. Any imbalance in this system can lead to changes in climate, as excess heat can cause global temperatures to rise or fall.
• Discuss the implications of increased greenhouse gases on outgoing terrestrial radiation and climate change.
  • Increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere result in a reduction of outgoing terrestrial radiation because these gases trap heat and re-radiate it back towards Earth's surface. This enhanced greenhouse effect leads to a warming planet, as less heat escapes into space. The implications are significant, including rising global temperatures, altered weather patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events.
• Evaluate the relationship between outgoing terrestrial radiation and albedo in influencing climate patterns.
  • Outgoing terrestrial radiation and albedo are closely related factors that influence climate patterns. Albedo affects how much solar energy is absorbed or reflected by Earth’s surface, which subsequently impacts surface temperatures. When areas with low albedo, such as forests or oceans, absorb more sunlight, they emit more outgoing terrestrial radiation. Conversely, high albedo surfaces like ice reflect more sunlight, leading to lower absorption and thus affecting overall energy distribution and climate dynamics.

Related terms

Greenhouse effect: The greenhouse effect is the warming of Earth's surface caused by the trapping of heat in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases, which absorb and re-radiate outgoing terrestrial radiation.

Albedo:

Albedo is the measure of reflectivity of Earth's surface, influencing how much solar energy is absorbed versus how much is reflected back into space.

Radiative forcing:

Radiative forcing refers to the change in energy balance in the atmosphere due to factors like greenhouse gases, which can enhance or reduce the amount of outgoing terrestrial radiation.