GG101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Refraction, Intertropical Convergence Zone, Evaporation
Document Summary
Albedo- the reflective value of a surface or intrinsic brightness of a surface. General rule- shorter the wavelength the greater the scattering and vice versa. Diffuse radiation- is the downward component of scattered light. Transmission refers to the shortwave or longwave energy through either the atmosphere or the water. Refraction- the transition in density subjects the insolation to a change of speed, which also shifts its direction, a bending action called refraction. A mirage is an example of refraction, an image that appears near the horizon where light waves are refracted by layers of air at different temperatures. Cloud albedo effect clouds reflect insolation and thus cool the earth"s surface. The term cloud-albedo forcing refers to increase in albedo caused by clouds. Absorption- the assimilation of radiation by molecules of matter and its conversion from one form of energy to another. Conduction- is the molecule-to-molecule transfer of heat energy as it diffuses through a substance.
