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8.1: Energy Transfer in the Climate System Cheat Sheet (DRAFT) by [deleted]

This is a draft cheat sheet. It is a work in progress and is not finished yet.

Energy Transfer in the Climate System

Earth's climate is a system → a group of interd­epe­ndent parts that work together to form a single functi­oning whole
Open System:
A system in which energy and matter cross the system's boundaries
Closed System:
A system that allows energy but not matter to cross the system's boundaries
Earth is a closed system → it maintains a temper­ature balance by radiating as much energy into space as it takes in from the Sun

Effects of Feedback Loops on the Earth System

Feedback Loop:
A process in which part of a system's output is returned, or fed back, to the input
In Earth's system, many feedback loops affect the conditions of the atmosp­here, ocean, and land
 
Positive Feedback Loops
Acts to increase the effects of intera­cting Parts
Small initial changes in climate can lead to large and larger changes
Example:
Decrease in albedo ↓
 
Increase in global warming ↓
 
Increase rate of melting ice ↓
 
Decrease in albedo ↓
 
Negative Feedback Loop
Acts to decrease the effects of the intera­cting parts and helps to maintain a system's equili­brium
The processes in a negative feedback loop act as checks and balances to prevent, slow, or reverse change in a system
Example:
Increase in global warming ↓
 
Increase in evapor­ation of water ↓
 
Increase in cloud cover ↓
 
Increase in albedo ↓
 
Decrease in global warming
 
Heating the Planet
Sunlight is respon­sible for feedback loops in Earth's climate system
Thermal energy is the energy that an object has because of the motion of its molecules
Three main processes transfer energy through Earth's climate system
I. Radiation: The transfer of energy, including thermal energy, as electr­oma­gnetic radiation. All matter radiates some thermal energy. This form of energy can travel through the vacuum of space. When radiation encounters matter, the matter may absorb the radiation, reflect it, or refract it.
 
II. Conduc­tion: The transfer of thermal energy between two objects or substances in direct physical contact. The thermal energy always moves from a region of higher temper­ature to a region of lower temper­ature.
 
III. Convec­tion:* The transfer of thermal energy by highly energized molecules moving from one place to another. Can occur in liquids and gases, but not solids. A convection current is a pattern of circul­ation.
 
Energy Transfer in the Atmosphere