OBJECTIVES
After reading this chapter you should be able to understand,
explain, or describe
- the spectral nature of the solar radiation reaching Earth's
atmosphere
- how transmission, reflection, absorption, scattering, and
emission alter the solar radiation incident on Earth's
atmosphere
- the importance of Earth's radiation budget and the energy
balance among Earth systems
- water's role in energy storage and transfer among Earth
systems
- the role of the atmosphere and oceans in global energy
redistribution
- the effect of "greenhouse" gases on Earth's radiation budget
and the trend in their concentrations
- the impact that human activities have on Earth systems with
particular emphasis on energy balance.