In the discussion of Earth's annual energy balance, we saw that Earth absorbed approximately 51 ...

In the discussion of Earth's annual energy balance, we saw that Earth absorbed approximately 51 units of solar energy but emitted 117 units of infrared energy. What prevents Earth from getting colder and colder?
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Earths albedo is ____________________ percent.
  Fill in the blank with correct word.

Question 3

When a body reaches a(n) ____________________equilibri um temperature, the amount of radiation entering the surface of the body equals the amount exiting the surface of the body.
  Fill in the blank with correct word.

Question 4

When water vapor condenses into clouds, ____________________ is released into the atmosphere. This provides a tremendous amount of heat in storms, such as thunderstorms and hurricanes.
  Fill in the blank with correct word.

Question 5

Carbon dioxide, ____________________, nitrous oxide, and ____________________ are the greenhouse gases that appear to be responsible for the enhancement of Earths atmospheric greenhouse effect.
  Fill in the blank with correct word.

Question 6

The lower atmosphere is warmed from the surface upward through longwave radiation from Earth, ____________________, and ____________________.
  Fill in the blank with correct word.

Question 7

Solar wind is composed of ____________________, or ____________________, travelling through space.
  Fill in the blank with correct word.