Question

(a) Calculate the equilibrium temperature of the present-day Earth, assuming the albedo is 0.3 for incoming solar radiation but that the emissivity is 1.0 out in the infrared where Earth emits. (b) Compare your answer to (a) to the freezing point of water. Should the Earth be completely frozen over now? Why or why not? (c) Now assume the Earth's actual average temperature today is 290 K and the difference between 290 K and the present equilibrium temperature would be the same ΔT ​in the equilibrium temperature were to change. Now, what would be Earth's equilibrium temperature have been 800 million years ago if it's albedo was 0.3 and 0.7?

Answer 1