2. Variation in the distance of the earth from the sun.
3. Occasional occultation of the sun by the moon (solar eclipse).
4. Reflection of solar radiation by clouds.
5. Interception of specific wavelengths by particulates, aerosols and gases. Some energy is thermalized and a portion is re-radiated back to space. Water vapor, CO2 and other IR absorbing gases can undergo elevation of electrons to a higher energy level and then re-emit, or experience an increase in kinetic energy (thermalization) which can be conducted to neighboring non-GHG molecules. Scattering, eg Rayleigh scattering by nitrogen and oxygen which don’t absorb IR, is included in this interception category.
IF you are looking at how much solar energy is being absorbed at the earth’s surface, don’t forget to account for the fact that earth’s albedo is also affected by the tilt of the axis. The northern hemisphere has more land surface, therefore higher albedo than the southern hemisphere which has relatively more ocean surface.
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Answer:
1. Variability of solar energy output.
2. Variation in the distance of the earth from the sun.
3. Occasional occultation of the sun by the moon (solar eclipse).
4. Reflection of solar radiation by clouds.
5. Interception of specific wavelengths by particulates, aerosols and gases. Some energy is thermalized and a portion is re-radiated back to space. Water vapor, CO2 and other IR absorbing gases can undergo elevation of electrons to a higher energy level and then re-emit, or experience an increase in kinetic energy (thermalization) which can be conducted to neighboring non-GHG molecules. Scattering, eg Rayleigh scattering by nitrogen and oxygen which don’t absorb IR, is included in this interception category.
IF you are looking at how much solar energy is being absorbed at the earth’s surface, don’t forget to account for the fact that earth’s albedo is also affected by the tilt of the axis. The northern hemisphere has more land surface, therefore higher albedo than the southern hemisphere which has relatively more ocean surface.
Explanation:
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