CHAPTER 7: Introduction to the Atmosphere
 

(i). Net Radiation and the Planetary Energy Balance

Average Net Shortwave Radiation at the Earth's Surface: July 1983-1990

 

Figure 7i-4: Average net shortwave radiation at the Earth's surface: July 1983-1990. Highest values occur over the subtropical oceans of the Northern Hemisphere due to high solar input and little cloud coverage. Lowest values occur in areas of high surface reflection such as snow/ice covered surfaces like Greenland, cloudy regions such as storm tracks, and areas of low solar input like the high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere. Color range: blue - red - white, Values: 0 to 350 W/m2. Global mean = 158 W/m2, Minimum = 0 W/m2, Maximum = 323 W/m2. (Source: NASA Surface Radiation Budget Project).

 

 

Study Guide

 

Additional Readings

 
Internet Weblinks
 
Citation: Pidwirny, M. (2006). "Net Radiation and the Planetary Energy Balance". Fundamentals of Physical Geography, 2nd Edition. Date Viewed. http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/7i_2.html
 
 
 

 

Created by Dr. Michael Pidwirny & Scott Jones University of British Columbia Okanagan

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05/07/2009 15:06

 

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