Part 6: Radiation & Climate

Earth's Energy Balance

The balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing infrared radiation determines Earth's climate. Greenhouse gases, clouds, and aerosols all modify this balance and drive climate change.

Topics in This Part

6.1 Radiation Budget

Solar constant, albedo, longwave radiation

6.2 Greenhouse Effect

CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, water vapor, radiative forcing

6.3 Climate Feedbacks

Water vapor, ice-albedo, cloud feedbacks

6.4 Climate Models

GCMs, ESMs, parameterizations, projections

Energy Budget Numbers

1361 W/m²

Solar Constant

0.30

Earth's Albedo

288 K

Mean Surface Temp

← Part 56.1 Radiation Budget →