Final answer:
The path of solar radiation is from the Sun to the Earth's surface, where it is either absorbed or reflected. About 70% is absorbed, affecting Earth's climate, and 30% is reflected back into space. The absorbed energy is eventually re-radiated as heat.
Step-by-step explanation:
The path of solar radiation best describes the journey of energy from the Sun to the Earth's surface, where it is either absorbed or reflected. This process is crucial for the Earth's climate and various atmospheric processes. Solar radiation travels through the vacuum of space and reaches the upper atmosphere of the Earth. Once solar radiation reaches Earth, it interacts with the planet's surface and atmosphere in different ways depending on their characteristics and composition. Light-colored surfaces with high albedo such as snow and clouds reflect most of the sunlight, while darker surfaces like oceans and forests tend to absorb more solar radiation.
Approximately 70% of the incoming solar energy is absorbed by Earth's atmosphere and land, contributing to processes such as evaporation, driving winds, photosynthesis, and ocean currents. The remaining 30% of solar energy is reflected back into space, mostly by clouds. The energy that is absorbed by the Earth's surface is eventually re-radiated back into space, mainly as heat. This exchange of energy plays a fundamental role in Earth's climatic and environmental systems.