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Home » People » Scott Therkalsen » GEO 120: INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY » Lecture Topics » LECTURE THREE The Global Energy Balance

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LECTURE THREE The Global Energy Balance

CLASS LECTURE: GLOBAL ENERGY BUDGET: Review the power point lecture from class. Warning: this may not have the most up to date file. This is only a general overview it does not include all the diagrams, drawings, and discussions from class but it is a good place to start and a helpful review

RADIATION:

What is Radiation?

What is the Electromagnetic Spectrum?

An interactive electromagnetic spectrum

RADIATION LAWS:
Stefan-Boltzmann Law

INCOMING SOLAR RADIATION:

What is Insolation?

Check out this simple tutorial explaining everything from solar insolation and sun angles to radiation and energy balance.

THE ATMOSPHERE:

A simple explanation of the origins of the earth's atmosphere and current composition.

and a more detailed look...

The current structure and composition of the atmosphere

What are Greenhouse Gases and why should I care?

What exactly is this "greenhouse effect" I keep hearing so much about?

What about the ozone layer ?

ENERGY AND HEAT:

AHHH!

NASA Scientists Confirm Earth's Energy Is Out of Balance

BALANCING THE EARTH:
LATENT HEAT AND SENSIBLE HEAT

What is Latent Heat?

Check out this animated explanation of latent heat:

What is Specific Heat?

Check out this tutorial explaining heat as a form of energy and the difference between latent and specific heat.

THE GLOBAL ENERGY BUDGET:
Where' all the energy going?
Here's the breakdown

What is the global energy budget?
(answers from the Oklahoma Climatology Survey)

What is global energy Balance?

Check out this interactive animation explaining the "Global Energy Budget"

If that one didn't work try this one!
Or watch both and master the idea forever.

Check out this totally awesome University of Oregon, Department of Geography global animations page.
Here they map the actual distribution of a number of variables throughout the year including: global energy balance, insolation, temperature, sensible heat, latent heat, atmospheric conditions, ocean water balance, and more!!!

OTHER INTERESTING LINKS

© 2007 This website was created and is maintained by Scott Therkalsen: Instructor of Geography, Grossmont Community College El Cajon, CA. Some of the content found within was borrowed expressly for educational purposes. Information is presented in good faith and should be used likewise. Enjoy

PRACTICE QUESTIONS:

What should I know for the test?

Stralher Book: Take the practice Quiz offered through the book resources website for Chapter Two

McKnight Book: Chapter 4

Jane Thorngren's practice questions about the atmosphere and energy
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Practice Questions from an online physical geography course

Review questions from the UWSP geography department: search for the section we are talking about and take a graded practice quiz or exam

Last Updated: 12/04/2014

A Member of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District