Consider a snow-covered surface. Assume that the amount of solar radiation that

Question

Consider a snow-covered surface. Assume that the amount of solar radiation that reaches the top of the atmosphere is 1367 Wm-2. Given that 50% of this solar radiation is either absorbed in the atmosphere or reflected by clouds before reaching the snow covered surface, how much of the original shortwave radiation is absorbed by the snow? What is meant by "anthropogenic greenhouse gases"? Why do scientists believe extremes of weather are becoming more common? Provide statistical/data evidence to support your argument. Define anomaly in your own words. What does it mean to be different than average? You are required to write about 200 word synopsis of a recent news article on weather or climate change

Explanation / Answer

1) Snow reflects around 95 % of the incomimg radiation.So only 5% of the incoming radiation is absorbed by the snow.

It is given 50% of the radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere or refelcted by the clouds ,so only 50 % reaches the surface of the snow.

Amount of original shortwave radiation absorbed by the snow =(1-albedo) * 50/100* 1367

=(1-0.95)* 0.5*1367

= 34.175 wm^-2

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