Calculating Earth's Temperature Change from Increased Solar Constant

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the change in Earth's temperature due to an increase in the solar constant, which has risen by approximately 0.1 W/m² over the last century. The participants are examining the implications of this change within the context of the Stefan-Boltzmann law and related equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to determine how to adjust the solar constant in their calculations and whether the original value of solar radiation (L) should be considered as the "old" or "new" value. There are questions about the correct interpretation of the formula and the role of the solar constant in this context.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing clarification regarding the interpretation of the solar constant and its effect on temperature calculations. Some participants are questioning the assumptions made about the solar constant and its designation as a constant, while others are exploring how to apply the changes in L to determine the temperature difference.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There is a focus on ensuring that the calculations reflect the historical context of the solar constant's value.

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Homework Statement


Over the last ~100 years, the average solar constant has increased by ~ 0.1 W/m2.
How much would the Earth’s temperature change simply due to this increase in the solar constant?

Homework Equations



[L * (1 – a)] / [4 * e * sigma]) 1/4 = Tground

L is the incoming solar radiation in the earth
a is the albedo
e is the emissitivity
sigma is the Boltzmann constant[
We showed that a = 0.3, e = 0.6, L= 1350 W/m2, gives us a realistic surface temperature.

The Attempt at a Solution


I attempted this by increasing the incoming radiation of the sun by 0.1, so it would be 1350.1, but I think this is wrong because the solar constant is like the constant for emissitivity, so I would think that in some way, I have to calculate the new L which is the incoming radiation of the sun.
 
Last edited:
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TheMathNoob said:

Homework Statement


Over the last ~100 years, the average solar constant has increased by ~ 0.1 W/m2.
How much would the Earth’s temperature change simply due to this increase in the solar constant?

Homework Equations


([L * (1 – a)] / [4 * e * sigma]) 1/4 = Tground

L is the incoming solar radiation in the earth
a is the albedo
e is the emissitivity
sigma is the Boltzmann constant[
We showed that a = 0.3, e = 0.6, L= 1350 W/m2, gives us a realistic surface temperature.

The Attempt at a Solution


I attempted this by increasing the incoming radiation of the sun by 0.1, so it would be 1350.1, but I think this is wrong because the solar constant is like the constant for emissitivity, so I would think that in some way, I have to calculate the new L which is the incoming radiation of the sun.
You would be well advised to edit that post to put the Font size back to normal (Size 4) and remove the Bold-ing.
 
Last edited:
SammyS said:
You would be well advised to edit that post to put the Font size back to normal (Size 4) and remove the Bold-ing.
Done, now help me please!
 
TheMathNoob said:
Done, now help me please!
Is that 1/4 supposed to be an exponent for part, or all, of that expression?

Also: L is the solar constant.
 
SammyS said:
Is that 1/4 supposed to be an exponent for part, or all, of that expression?

Also: L is the solar constant.
Yes
 
TheMathNoob said:
I think this is wrong because the solar constant is like the constant for emissitivity,
Not sure what you mean. It is not some physical constant. Indeed, it probably should not be called a constant.
 
TheMathNoob said:

Homework Statement


Over the last ~100 years, the average solar constant has increased by ~ 0.1 W/m2.
How much would the Earth’s temperature change simply due to this increase in the solar constant?

Homework Equations



[L * (1 – a)] / [4 * e * sigma]) 1/4 = Tground

L is the incoming solar radiation in the earth
a is the albedo
e is the emissitivity
sigma is the Boltzmann constant[
We showed that a = 0.3, e = 0.6, L= 1350 W/m2, gives us a realistic surface temperature.
Is this L the "old" or "new" value? In other words is it calculated for the present or 100 years ago? If present subtract the given change, 0.1. Calculate Tground with both old and new values to see how much it has changed.

3. The Attempt at a Solution
I attempted this by increasing the incoming radiation of the sun by 0.1, so it would be 1350.1, but I think this is wrong because the solar constant is like the constant for emissitivity, so I would think that in some way, I have to calculate the new L which is the incoming radiation of the sun.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Is this L the "old" or "new" value? In other words is it calculated for the present or 100 years ago? If present subtract the given change, 0.1. Calculate Tground with both old and new values to see how much it has changed.
In this case, L is old and then we have to calculate the new T by increasing L I think by 0.1
 
TheMathNoob said:
In this case, L is old and then we have to calculate the new T by increasing L I think by 0.1
No.

Just increase the old L value by 0.1 W/m2 .
 

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