Approxmently how much of the suns solar energy absorbed

How much solar energy is absorbed by the Earth?

Due to reflection by the atmosphere, clouds, and Earth's surface we can approximate that 70% of solar energy incident on the edge of the Earth's atmosphere is actually absorbed by the Earth. Taking this into account, the actual average amount of solar energy absorbed by the Earth amounts to:

How does the Sun absorb its energy?

Once the Sun’s energy reaches Earth, it is intercepted first by the atmosphere. A small part of the Sun’s energy is directly absorbed, particularly by certain gases such as ozone and water vapor. Some of the Sun’s energy is reflected back to space by clouds and Earth’s surface. Most of the radiation, however, is absorbed by Earth’s surface.

How do you determine the average amount of solar energy reaches Earth?

To determine the average amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth, we must consider what the Earth "looks like" to the Sun. When looking at Earth from the Sun, only one half of the Earth can be seen.

What happens if solar energy is absorbed?

The absorption of solar energy heats up our planet’s surface and atmosphere and makes life on Earth possible. But the energy does not stay bound up in the Earth’s environment forever. If it did, then the Earth would be as hot as the Sun. Instead, as the rocks, the air, and the sea warm, they emit thermal radiation (heat).

How does solar energy reach Earth?

The majority of energy from the Sun reaches Earth in the form of visible and infrared radiation. Just over half of this incoming solar energy ultimately reaches the ground. The rest is reflected away by low-level, thick, white clouds or ice or gets absorbed by the atmosphere. The solar energy that makes it to the ground warms Earth’s surface.

How much sunlight reaches a specific spot on Earth?

The intensity of sunlight reaching a particular spot on Earth at any time depends on location and time of year, as lower sun angles spread the incoming energy over a larger surface area. The Sun is 93 million miles from Earth, yet it still provides us with all of the energy needed to sustain life.