Of the 100% of incoming solar radiation at the outer extent of our atmosphere, approximately how much actually reaches Earth’s surface?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To evaluate how much of the incoming solar radiation at the top of the atmosphere actually reaches Earth's surface, we need to consider the layers it passes through and the processes involved.
Option 1: 'About 50%'. This is the commonly cited figure: roughly half of the solar energy that enters Earth's system makes it to the surface after accounting for reflection and scattering by clouds, atmospheric gases, and aerosols, as well as absorption by atmospheric constituents. The rest is reflected back to space or absorbed before reaching the surface.
Option 2: 'The same 100%'. This would imply that none of the solar radiation is lost in the atmosphere, which is false. A substantial portion is reflected or absorbed by atmospheric components and clouds, so it cannot be 100% reaching the surface.
Option 3: 'Slightly less than 25%'. This underestimates the surface transmission. While some conditions may reduce surface input (e.g., high cloud cover over certain regions), the commonly accepted average is closer to about half, not a quarter.
Option 4: 'Slightly more than 80%'. This overestimates the atmospheric transmission dramatically. Due to reflection by clouds and the atmosphere, and absorption by gases, only a portion around half typically reaches the surface, not the majority.
Overall, the comparison hinges on the balance between reflection (albedo) and transmission through the atmosphere; the best-supported average value for terrestrial solar input at the surface is near 50%, with substantial regional and temporal variation but not as high as 80% or as low as 25% on a global average.

GEOG121 -LEC Weather and Climate (XL) EXAM I

Of the 100% of incoming solar radiation at the outer extent of our atmosphere, approximately how much actually reaches Earth’s surface?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

The amount and composition of solar radiation reaching the outer edge of the earth’s atmosphere are quite unvarying and are called the...

As a result, the sunlight over the higher latitudes would be __ compared to near the Equator.

The incoming solar radiation received at the top of the atmosphere does not depend on latitude.

Incoming solar radiation received at the top of the atmosphere varies with latitude due to

How much solar energy is absorbed in Point Barrow, Alaska in the summer (when there is 100% open water off shore)?

How does solar radiation (per unit area) vary with increasing latitude?

What absorbs incoming solar radiation? [Select all that apply.]

What is the ultimate driver of the climate system?气候系统的最终驱动力是什么？

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler