Final answer:
The surface energy budget is calculated by summing the incoming and outgoing solar radiation, as well as the incoming and outgoing infrared radiation. Earth maintains thermodynamic equilibrium through these energy exchanges, as described by the Stefan-Boltzmann law.
Step-by-step explanation:
The surface energy budget is calculated by summing incoming and outgoing solar radiation and incoming and outgoing infrared radiation. The Earth is in an approximate thermodynamic equilibrium, meaning that it absorbs solar energy and re-radiates energy back into space as infrared radiation to maintain a steady net energy balance.
The rate at which energy flows is regarded as power, and the Stefan-Boltzmann law describes the power radiated from a body based on its temperature and surface area.
The Earth's surface energy budget considers factors such as reflection to space by clouds and ice, which accounts for nearly 30% of incoming solar radiation. The remaining solar energy is absorbed by land, water, and the atmosphere and contributes to various processes such as evaporation, wind generation, and photosynthesis. This absorbed energy is balanced by the energy Earth radiates back into space as infrared radiation.
Understanding the Earth's energy input and output is crucial for studying climate dynamics and the effect of human activities on global temperature and weather patterns.