1. Examine the incoming shortwave and outgoing longwave radiation curves in Figu

Question

1. Examine the incoming shortwave and outgoing longwave radiation curves in Figures 2 and 3. Only considering May 19-21 (Figure 2), briefly explain why outgoing longwave radiation peaks in magnitude several hours after the peak in incoming shortwave radiation. 2. The figure below shows that incoming solar radiation exceeds outgoing longwave radiation in the tropics, while the opposite holds true near the poles. Briefly explain how this imbalance is resolved for thermal equilibrium to exist. Balance 38° Balance l Incoming i energy Surplus Outgoing energy Heat i transfer Heat transfer 15 0° Latitude 90° 60° 30° 60° 90° North South

Explanation / Answer

In the first case, it is due to lag of the maximum of radiations. In other words as long as the solar energy gained exceeds the rate of earth radiation lost, the air temperature continues to rise.

In the second case, due to tilting axis of earth the tropics recieve more incoming radiation than poles and this imbalance is thermally equilibriated by action of winds which transfers heat across the globe.

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