Earth's Energy Balance: Calculating Albedo, Absorptivity, and Emissivity

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the Earth's energy balance parameters: albedo (α), absorptivity (a), and emissivity (e). Participants are tasked with using specific data from an energy balance diagram, with common approximations being α = 0.3, a = 0, and e = 1. The confusion arises from determining the correct values to input into the equations provided in the screenshots, particularly regarding the value of F0/4, which is suggested to be 341.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Earth's energy balance concepts
  • Familiarity with albedo, absorptivity, and emissivity definitions
  • Basic knowledge of thermodynamic equations related to energy transfer
  • Ability to interpret data from energy balance diagrams
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of Earth's energy balance and its components
  • Learn how to calculate albedo using empirical data
  • Explore the relationship between absorptivity and emissivity in thermal radiation
  • Review thermodynamic equations relevant to energy transfer in planetary systems
USEFUL FOR

Students in environmental science, physics, or meteorology, as well as educators and researchers interested in Earth's energy dynamics and climate modeling.

il27

Homework Statement


Use the data in the energy balance diagram for the Earth shown below to determine numerical values for α, a and e. Assess your results by comparing them to the commonly used approximations α = 0.3, a = 0 and e = 1. Show your calculations.

Homework Equations


Look at the the screenshot that says equations and then the actual numbers for the energy balance model are in the second screenshot that says Energy numbers.

The Attempt at a Solution


I am just confused on which numbers I should plug into what to find the albedo, a, and e. I know F0/4 might be 341, but I am not sure how to correspond which number to which equation, etc.
 

Attachments

  • Equations.png
    Equations.png
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  • Energy numbers.png
    Energy numbers.png
    31.1 KB · Views: 547
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il27 said:
not sure how to correspond which number to which equation
So post an attempt and someone will check it.
 

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