Heat exchange methods
Surface exchanges with atmosphere by conduction (i.e. sensible heat exchange) & through phase changes (i.e. latent heat exchange)
Surface & atmosphere radiate energy back into space
- Earth's surface is about 300°K = 30°C, so the re-radiated EM radiation has lower energy content
- Radiation from Earth is long-wave radiation, with a mean l _ 10 x 10-6 m = 100,000 Å
- This radiation is invisible infra-red radiation