1D n layer Earth Temperature Model
Given the amount of sunlight, the albedo of the planet, and some
other "simple" data, we can compute the theoretic temperature of the
planet's surface.
- All flux numbers are in watts per square meter.
- Changing solar flux can be modelled by changing the value and then
clicking on the "compute" button.
- Global volcanic ash ejected into the upper atmosphere can be very
roughly modelled by increasing the albedo. Albedo is defined as the
ratio of solar flux directly reflected back into space to the incident
solar flux.
- What happens to the surface temperature as the atmospheric reflection increases? What might cause atmospheric reflection to increase?
- What happens to the surface temperature as the surface reflection increases? What might cause surface reflection to increase?
- What happens to the surface temperature as the atmospheric absorption increases? What might cause atmospheric absorption to increase?
- Which slider best models the introduction of greenhouse gasses (CO2, CH4, etc.) and why?
This model is based on the excellent discussion in John Harte's book,
Consider a Spherical Cow.