Untitled Flashcard Set

Photon

Elementary particles of light that carry energy proportional to their frequency.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Radiation emitted by all matter with a temperature above absolute zero, consisting of a spectrum of wavelengths.

Wien's Displacement Law

States that the peak wavelength of emitted radiation is inversely proportional to temperature, given by the formula Amax = b/T.

Solar Constant (S_0)

The average amount of solar radiation received per unit area at the top of Earth's atmosphere, approximately 1361 W/m^2.

Albedo

A measure of the reflectivity of a surface, representing the proportion of incident solar radiation that is reflected.

Greenhouse Effect

The warming of the Earth's surface due to gases that absorb and re-emit infrared radiation.

Carbon Cycle

Describes the movement of carbon among the atmosphere, oceans, land, and sediments, involving various processes.

Radiative Forcing

Any factor that alters the balance of incoming and outgoing energy in the Earth's climate system, measured in watts per square meter (W/m^2).

Positive Feedback Loop

A climate feedback process that amplifies the initial warming or cooling, such as ice-albedo feedback.

Climate Sensitivity

A measure of how much the Earth's global average surface temperature will change in response to a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO_2) concentration.