This chapter covers the energy received from the Sun as electromagnetic radiation.  How the atmosphere and Earth interact with the Sun’s energy and radiates heat back to space.  Methods for transferring energy are presented.  The learner will review Earth’s energy balance from a perspective that the Earth’s temperature is constant.

Once a learner has completed this chapter, they will be able to:

• Identify the types of energy and how they are transferred.

• Understand the cause of Earth’s seasons.

• Explain how incoming solar radiation is affected by the atmosphere.

• Describe the Earth’s energy balance through incoming and outgoing radiation.