Components of Earth's Energy Balance
Understanding the four main components that determine how energy flows through Earth's climate system
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0 / 5 completed🌍 Earth's Energy Flow
240 W/m²
Incoming Solar Radiation
72 W/m²
Reflected
168 W/m²
Absorbed
240 W/m²
Outgoing Terrestrial Radiation
240 W/m²
The Four Key Components
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Incoming Solar Radiation
240 W/m²
Energy from the sun reaches Earth at an average rate of 240 W/m²
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Surface Reflection (Albedo)
72 W/m²
Earth's surface reflects about 30% of incoming solar radiation
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Surface Absorption
168 W/m²
Earth absorbs about 70% of incoming solar radiation
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Outgoing Terrestrial Radiation
240 W/m²
Earth emits infrared radiation back to space at 240 W/m²
⚖️ The Energy Balance Equation
Energy Balance = (Incoming Solar) - (Outgoing Terrestrial)
= (240 W/m²) - (240 W/m²) = 0 W/m²
When incoming solar radiation equals outgoing terrestrial radiation, Earth's energy balance is zero and global temperatures remain stable. Any imbalance causes warming or cooling.