You will be exploring how Earth’s climate responds to various climate forcing agents – including solar irradiance and atmospheric CO2.  Solar irradiance is the amount of solar radiation, in watts per square meter, that reaches Earth’s surface. Once it reaches Earth, the amount of heating that takes place depends on the reflectivity, or albedo, of Earth materials. Clouds, ice, and snow all have high albedos and reflect a large amount of incoming sunlight. Other surfaces, soil, vegetation, and water all have lower albedos and reflect less sunlight. Atmospheric CO2 is one of the main greenhouse gases, responsible for keeping our planet a great place to live by allowing for warm enough temperatures that water can be a liquid.

You will be using the models on the websites listed below. These models were developed by UCAR - the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.