Analysis Notes

Analysis of Data

Which surface absorbed most energy?

            Both grass and asphalt temperatures increased throughout the day, therefore they both absorbed energy. The asphalt absorbed the most energy (can tell because of temp.) Around 9:30 the difference was greatest because the grass was wet and the water was being evaporated. 

What happens to the energy after it is absorbed?

            The energy is re-emitted as the sun “goes down”. It gives off energy as long-wave infrared radiation and heat.

Why is long wave infrared radiation important to climate change?

            This is significant for climate change because it heats up the atmosphere by being trapped by greenhouse gases.

How are the greenhouse effect and urban heat island effect related?

            Urban Heat Islands are “islands” of heat because of all the surfaces that absorb heat. As these cities later re-emit this energy as infrared long wave radiation and as said earlier is trapped.

What are some greenhouse gases?

            The most popular one is water vapor. Others are nitrogen, carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4).

Which surface has the highest albedo?

            Grass because it reflects more energy which you can tell because of the temperature. Some things that directly relate to energy reflected are color and water in the surface. Albedo is the percentage of energy reflected from a surface. As far as climate change concerned this is harmless.

Which surface would cool off faster?

            The asphalt would because of the water content. Water changes temperature slowly and the grass has more water than asphalt.