Paper 1 · climatology
In the six-factor energy-budget model of the atmosphere, what term describes the shortwave radiation that is reflected back to space by clouds, the atmosphere and the Earth's surface, without being absorbed?
Model answer
reflected shortwave radiation
Also accepted: reflected solar radiation, reflected radiation
Explanation: Not all incoming solar radiation is absorbed; a portion is reflected straight back to space by cloud tops, atmospheric particles and bright surfaces, and this reflected shortwave radiation forms one of the six factors in the day model.
Derived from ZIMSEC Geography Paper 1, June 2004, Q3
