Let’s consider how the Earth's emission of energy affects its overall radiation balance. Open the Planetary Climates learning tool and navigate to the 'Build A Planet' learning tool.

Question: How would the earth's radiation balance change if the earth had a higher surface temperature?

First, enter the following conditions into the sliderbars to create Earth:

Now increase the surface temperature to 30°C as shown on the right.

Look at the central energy bars. What is the effect of increasing temperature on the Earth's energy balance?

Notice that the 'energy out' increases and there is no longer a radiation balance.

Question: After exploring the learning tool, complete the table below. Think of solutions on your own and then click the squares to see the correct answers highlighted in green.