Part A. The Radiation Balance [Q* = (K - K ) + (L - L ) has importance because it tells us how much absorbed solar radiation occurred at a specific location. The main driver in the equation is insolation (K ). How do various earth-sun geometries impact K ? (Think: angle of incidence and length of day). Second, how can different surfaces influence the albedo? Define albedo and apply it to at least two examples.
Part B. The energy balance {Q* = Qe + Qh + Qg) has importance because it tells us how nature uses absorbed solar energy. Describe fully the three energy fluxes noting how energy is used and released. Does nature have preferences and if so, how can these preferences impact temperature and humidity? (Think: compare the wet marshes of the Florida Everglades to the parched Sahara Desert)
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