If the Earth continuously absorbed solar energy without radiating an equivalent amount back, what would happen to its temperature?
Answer
Its temperature would climb indefinitely.
The outgoing radiation is essential for shedding absorbed energy. Without radiating an equivalent amount back out, the planet's temperature would continue to increase without limit.
Related Questions
What is the classification for the energy arriving at Earth from the Sun?What is the primary form of electromagnetic radiation that the Earth emits back into space?What dictates the difference in wavelength between solar emission and Earth's emission?What is the approximate average surface temperature of the Earth mentioned in the text?If the Earth continuously absorbed solar energy without radiating an equivalent amount back, what would happen to its temperature?What is the main consequence of increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere regarding outgoing radiation?Where does the Earth's radiant energy output typically peak?What is the general result of features that increase the Earth's albedo, such as expanding ice sheets?What phenomenon causes the Earth's outgoing energy emission to fall predominantly between about 4 and 100 micrometers?What is the mechanism behind minor, non-heat-related visible light emissions like bioluminescence?