GEO 605 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Background Radiation, Ice Wedge, Permafrost
Document Summary
Earth absorbs visible light converts to thermal energy and emits into environment. Blocks uv radiation(black) lets through visible light(white) Blocks thermal radiation going back out ex n20 blocks it, trapping heat in. Traps heat: water vapor is an excellent absorber of terrestrial radiation in wavelengths less than 7 m. Carbon dioxide is an excellent absorber of terrestrial radiation in wavelengths longer than 12 m. Methane is an excellent absorber of terrestrial radiation in wavelengths near. In winter co2 increases in environment due to no leaves absorbing oxygen. Either way co2 increasing causing thicker atmosphere ->traps more thermal radiation- Not every part of the earth is warming some gets warmer some may get cooler. -paleo climatology- estimate past temperature ice cores: slice ice, measure trapped gas. Diatoms population inc over time due to its prevalence in water over ice. Warm water equator, cold water near poles- ocean currents. Low biotic diversity due to cold environment.