Climate Variability: Difference between revisions
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==Radiative Forcing== | ==Radiative Forcing== | ||
[[term::Radiative Forcing]] is as the change in the net energy flux into the surface/atmosphere system. This is measured at the top of the atmosphere or [[term::tropopause]], the lowest part of the atmosphere known as the troposphere and is defines as the amount of energy coming in to the system causing a postive forcing. Currently [[fact::Solar radiation = 342 watts/meter squared]]. | [[term::Radiative Forcing]] is as the change in the net energy flux into the surface/atmosphere system. This is measured at the top of the atmosphere or [[term::tropopause]], the lowest part of the atmosphere known as the troposphere and is defines as the amount of energy coming in to the system causing a postive forcing. Currently [[fact::Solar radiation = 342 watts/meter squared]]. | ||
==What can alter that balance?== | |||
Suppose, as an example, that the output of the Sun increases so that an extra 4 units of solar radiation is received by the atmosphere – a positive radiative forcing of 4 units acting to warm the climate. Initially the incoming energy exceeds the outgoing energy, so there is now an energy imbalance, and the system must change in response. The Earth/atmosphere system will respond by warming up until the outgoing long wave emission once again balances the incoming energy; a new equilibrium will be established with the Earth’s surface at a warmer temperature. | |||
Natural changes include volcanoes erupting and changes in solar radiation. | |||
Human examples include chnages in concentration of active gases due to burning of fossil fuels, aerosol cans, land use such as deforestation. The biggest impact on radiative forcings have been greenhouse gasses | |||
[[Category:Climate Change]] | [[Category:Climate Change]] | ||
__SHOWFACTBOX__ | __SHOWFACTBOX__ | ||
Revision as of 15:38, 20 December 2011
Radiative Forcing
Radiative Forcing is as the change in the net energy flux into the surface/atmosphere system. This is measured at the top of the atmosphere or tropopause, the lowest part of the atmosphere known as the troposphere and is defines as the amount of energy coming in to the system causing a postive forcing. Currently Solar radiation = 342 watts/meter squared.
What can alter that balance?
Suppose, as an example, that the output of the Sun increases so that an extra 4 units of solar radiation is received by the atmosphere – a positive radiative forcing of 4 units acting to warm the climate. Initially the incoming energy exceeds the outgoing energy, so there is now an energy imbalance, and the system must change in response. The Earth/atmosphere system will respond by warming up until the outgoing long wave emission once again balances the incoming energy; a new equilibrium will be established with the Earth’s surface at a warmer temperature.
Natural changes include volcanoes erupting and changes in solar radiation.
Human examples include chnages in concentration of active gases due to burning of fossil fuels, aerosol cans, land use such as deforestation. The biggest impact on radiative forcings have been greenhouse gasses
