Picture 1.

What Happens to the Sun’s Heat

What happens to the sun’s heatis shown inthe diagram. This is for average weather — that is, 52 per cent cloudiness in the sky. A typical cloud reflects back into space 75 per cent of the sunlight striking it. On overcast days, only about 25 per cent of the sun’s energy hits the ground. Energy that does reach the ground is absorbed and reflected in varying degrees. Snow reflects about 75per cent, absorbs only 25 per cent; this partly accounts for the cold of polar regions. In comparison with dry deserts the figures are upside down 75 per cent is absorbed and 25 per cent is reflected. And the plowed field reflects from 25 to 5 per cent of the sun’s energy. Grassy field absorbs a little bit more energy. Dark forests absorb about 95 per cent of solar energy and change it to heat. Ocean water reflects from 40 to 14 per cent depending on angle. Such differences in absorption and reflection account, in part, for regional differences in temperature and climate.