Modelling the Earth’s Zonal Energy Balance

Modelling the Earth’s Zonal Energy Balance Classroom/Laboratory Activity A laboratory activity to create an energy balance model for planet Earth and obtain numerical solutions for the differential equations in the model. Students will write code (using MATLAB or Mathematica) to model the distribution of the Earth’s surface temperature in response to increasing carbon emissions in […]

Radiation Balance and the Climate of a Planet

Radiation Balance and the Climate of a Planet Model/Simulation A Model/Simulation to learn about the factors that influence the climate of a planet. Students will learn about radiation balance and the climate of different planets. They will vary parameters such as albedo, surface temperature, and distance from the Sun to observe the corresponding effects on […]

Introduction to Planetary Energy Balance

Introduction to Planetary Energy Balance Reading A reading by University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Center for Science Education that discusses how the surface temperature of the Earth can be calculated through simple energy balance equations.This overview reading can be used as an introduction to the topic by teachers interested in teaching about planetary energy […]