A reading that introduces a single-layer atmosphere model, which is based on the emissivity of thermal radiation, to explain atmospheric warming.
Students will learn about the absorptivity and emissivity of grey bodies, the equation for planetary energy balance, and emission profiles of different sources while understanding a simple model to determine planetary surface temperatures.
Use this tool to help students find answers to:
- Define emissivity and absorptivity.
- Describe the single-layer atmosphere model for atmospheric warming.
About the Tool
Tool Name | A Single-Layer Atmosphere Model |
Discipline | Physics, Earth Sciences |
Topic(s) in Discipline | · Atmospheric Warming
· Blackbody Radiation · Emissivity, Absorptivity · Stefan-Boltzmann Law |
Climate Topic | · Climate and the Atmosphere
· Planetary Energy Balance |
Type of Tool | Reading |
Grade Level | High school, Undergraduate |
Location | Global |
Language | English |
Translation | |
Developed by | American Chemical Society (ACS) |
Hosted at | American Chemical Society (ACS) |
Link | https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/climatescience/atmosphericwarming/singlelayermodel.html |
Access | Online |
Computer Skills | Basic |
Emission from a black body and emission from a grey body
(Image Credit : Jerry Bell)