Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Yasmin Ilyas on 05/01/2019 14:35:35

Title: How and where does water modify the input of solar energy?
Post by: Yasmin Ilyas on 05/01/2019 14:35:35

Hello,

I would like to get an answer to this question:

Q: How and where does liquid and solid water, modify the input of solar energy to the atmosphere and earth from space?

Title: Re: How and where does water modify the input of solar energy?
Post by: Janus on 05/01/2019 16:11:48

Solid water (ice) is more reflective of visible light waves lengths to which the atmosphere is transparent.  Those waves are thus reflected back out into space through the atmosphere.   Liquid water tends to absorb more of the visible light waves, raising its energy content, this energy is radiated away at wavelengths longer than those of visible light ( in the infrared spectrum), components of the atmosphere are not transparent to these wavelengths and thus absorb them, increasing their energy levels (heat content) which they transfer to the rest of the atmosphere via molecular collisions, raising the over all air temp.

Title: Re: How and where does water modify the input of solar energy?
Post by: evan_au on 05/01/2019 22:16:21

Sun on water causes evaporation.
- Some of this water vapor will rain down into dam catchment areas.
- This can then be used to produce hydroelectricity (one form of solar power).

Similarly, some of this water vapor in the form of clouds will reflect sunlight back into space
- This will shade a solar cell farm
- This will reduce the output of silicon solar cells (another form of solar energy)