Energy and Climate (unfinished)

What is energy

The quantitative property that is transferred to a body or to a physical system, recognizable in the capacity to do work and in the form of heat and light

What does energy determine in the context of Earth’s processes

The Earth’s energy relationship with the sun determines the seasons, global climate features, & long-term climate change (e.g. the cycle of ice ages). Changes in the atmosphere both natural and anthropogenic can impact the energy balance

What is electromagnetic (solar) energy

Solar radiation is energy from the sun and occurs as a spectrum of different wavelengths- we sense these in different ways (UV, visible light, infra-red). ER becomes chemical via photosynthesis.

What is kinetic energy

Energy of motion, transports materials

What is potential energy

Stored energy of position where mass falls under gravity

What is thermal energy

Vibrating molecules causing the total kinetic energy of all the molecules of an object; faster molecular movement means higher temperatures. Measure of the mean kinetic energy (speed) per molecule of an object (internal energy).

What energy does photosynthesis use

Capture chemical energy and converts it to kinetic energy

What is conduction and convection

Conduction – the transfer of energy as heat directly from one material to another

Convection – upward and circulation movements of energy in fluids (air and water)

What is the first law of thermodynamics

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed

What is the second law of thermodynamics

The state of entropy of the entire universe, as an isolated system, will always increase over time. E.g. Heat always moves from hotter objects to colder objects

What causes seasons

Earth's tilted axis (23.4 degrees) causes different parts of Earth receive the Sun's most direct rays throughout the year. This leads to differences in thermal energy which can lead to atmospheric motion and adaptations of plants and animals.

What is albedo

The reflectivity of an object

How do clouds affect climate

Clouds are composed of water droplets and/or ice crystals that can reflect and absorb radiation, re-radiating it back into space. This means the earth absorbs less energy so does not increase so rapidly in temperature. Rainforests receive less radiation than deserts as they create more clouds.

What is the global surface albedo distribution