Global Energy System Study Guide
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY 101

After the "Global Energy System" lecture and readings you should be able to answer and discuss the following questions.

What is a system?

Compare and contrast an open system with a closed system.

Give some examples of an open system, listing some of the items in that system and the related forces.

What is the only true closed system known to exist?

Explain why the Earth is an open or closed system.

Describe the path of incoming solar radition in terms of reflection and absorption.

Describe the path of longwave energy flow within the Earth's atmosphere.

What does a global energy balance mean?

Where on the Earth's surface is most of the solar energy received?

Where on the Earth's surface is most of the longwave energy lost to space?

____

Notice: The material contained within these web pages only applies to those courses and sections taught by Richard Harwood. Unless otherwise noted, all images and graphics contained within are the property of Richard Harwood and may only be reproduced with permission from the author.