ATMOSPHERIC ENERGY BUDGET
(Greenhouse Effect)
As it enters the atmosphere some of that energy is REFLECTED by clouds, dust and other particles in the air.
Some is SCATTERED by material in the air.
Some is ABSORBED before it reaches the surface by clouds, ozone, dust and various particles in the air.
Some of it is TRANSMITTED to the surface (about 51% of the energy that contacts the outer atmosphere).
The energy that strikes the Earth's surface is ABSORBED by the surface and converted to heat
That heat is then RADIATED into the air from the surface where it is ABSORBED by greenhouse gases like CO2, O3, CH4 and H2O. This absorbed heat is what keeps the Earth a liveable temperature. This is basically what is called the GREENHOUSE EFFECT.
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