Study FIGURE 2. 15 on PAGE 89 that shows the heating of the atmosphere and answer the questions that follow: 3.1 What is insolation? - incoming solar radiation - the suns energy that passes through the earth's atmosphere 3.1 What is the tropopause? (p. 83) - upper level of the troposphere 3.2 How much of the sun's energy reaches the tropopause? - one billionth of the sun's energy 3.3 What is the solar constant? - the amount of solar radiation that reach the tropopause 3.4 Why does only $$ 47 \% $$ of the sun's energy reach Earth's surface? - Because of reflection, absorption and scattering 3.5 Explain how the processes of reflection, scattering and absorption reduce the amount of the sun's energy that reaches the Earth's surfad - Surfaces reflect or send back some radiation back into the upper atmosphere. We call this reflection - Gases in the atmosphere absorp some of the radiation. We call thi: absorption - some radiation is bounced off dust particles. We call this scatterin

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Let's break down the questions and answers provided regarding the heating of the atmosphere and the processes involved in solar radiation.

### 3.1 What is insolation?
**Answer:** Insolation refers to incoming solar radiation, which is the energy emitted by the sun that passes through the Earth's atmosphere and reaches the surface.

### 3.2 What is the tropopause?
**Answer:** The tropopause is defined as the upper level of the troposphere, which is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere where weather occurs.

### 3.3 How much of the sun's energy reaches the tropopause?
**Answer:** It is stated that one billionth of the sun's energy reaches the tropopause. This indicates a very small fraction of the total solar energy emitted by the sun.

### 3.4 What is the solar constant?
**Answer:** The solar constant is the amount of solar radiation that reaches the tropopause. It represents the average solar energy received per unit area at the top of the atmosphere.

### 3.5 Why does only $$ 47\% $$ of the sun's energy reach Earth's surface?
**Answer:** Only $$ 47\% $$ of the sun's energy reaches the Earth's surface due to three main processes:
- **Reflection:** Some surfaces reflect solar radiation back into the atmosphere, preventing it from reaching the ground.
- **Absorption:** Gases in the atmosphere absorb a portion of the solar radiation, which means that energy is not transmitted to the surface.
- **Scattering:** Some radiation is scattered by dust particles and other atmospheric components, redirecting it away from the surface.

### Explanation of Reflection, Scattering, and Absorption
- **Reflection:** This process occurs when solar radiation hits surfaces (like clouds, water, or land) and is bounced back into the atmosphere. This reduces the amount of energy that can warm the Earth's surface.
  
- **Absorption:** Certain gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, absorb specific wavelengths of solar radiation. This absorbed energy contributes to the warming of the atmosphere but does not reach the surface.

- **Scattering:** When solar radiation encounters small particles in the atmosphere, it can be redirected in various directions. This scattering effect can cause some of the solar energy to be lost from direct transmission to the Earth's surface.

In summary, the combination of reflection, absorption, and scattering significantly reduces the amount of solar energy that ultimately reaches the Earth's surface, resulting in only $$ 47\% $$ of the total solar energy being available for heating the ground and atmosphere.
**Simplified Answers:** 1. **Insolation:** Incoming solar radiation that passes through the Earth's atmosphere. 2. **Tropopause:** The upper boundary of the troposphere, the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere. 3. **Solar Constant:** The amount of solar radiation reaching the tropopause. 4. **Energy to Earth's Surface:** Only $$ 47\% $$ of the sun's energy reaches the Earth's surface due to reflection, absorption, and scattering by the atmosphere. **Explanation:** - **Reflection:** Surfaces like clouds and land reflect solar radiation back into the atmosphere. - **Absorption:** Gases in the atmosphere absorb some solar energy, preventing it from reaching the surface. - **Scattering:** Dust particles scatter solar radiation, redirecting it away from the Earth's surface. These processes significantly reduce the amount of solar energy that warms the Earth's surface.

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