Earth’s Energy Balance: How Solar Radiation Is Absorbed, Reflected, and Emitted #144154 (License: Personal Use)

The image details Earth’s planetary energy balance, quantifying how 100 units of incoming solar radiation are partitioned-46 absorbed by oceans and land, 19 by atmospheric components (water vapor, dust, ozone), and 30 reflected (by clouds, air, and surface). It also traces outgoing radiation pathways, including longwave emission, latent heat transfer, and sensible heat, totaling 100 units to maintain equilibrium. Key greenhouse gases like CO₂ and water vapor are highlighted for their role in absorption and re-emission.

Used in climate science education, IPCC reports, and environmental science webpages to explain radiative forcing, albedo, and the greenhouse effect; matches user intent seeking foundational understanding of global warming mechanisms.