Global energy balances

Among the components of our atmosphere, the concentration of carbon dioxide is a mere 325 parts per million (ppm). In other words, 999,675 of every million molecules in the air are not CO2. (Almost all the molecules are N2 or O2.) At such a low concentration, how could CO2 possibly cause a measurable change in the Earth s surface temperature The answer lies in the role that minor atmospheric species play in the global energy balance. 

In their studies of interface instability, most of the investigators listed above have employed a Fourier analysis of the coupling between the fluid motion and the electromagnetic body force. Davidson [81] and, in simpler form, Davidson and Lindsay [82] have pursued an alternative approach whereby a global energy balance... 

For comparison purposes, a steady global energy balance based on the temperature difference between the channel inlet and outlet was performed, i.e.. 

Thus, a global energy balance can lead to useful results, but closer inspection of the detailed mechanisms is rather important, at both micrometre and nanometre scales. 

In Chapter 8 we associate measured quantities with the underlying physical processes. The connection between thermal equilibrium and the vertical temperature profile is investigated. Dynamical regimes are explored with emphasis on wind fields and circulations. Certain aspects of Solar System composition, internal heat sources, and the concept of global energy balance are discussed in the context of planetary evolution. 

Dickinson, R.E., 1996 Climate Engineering. A Review of Aerosol Approaches to Changing the Global Energy Balance , in Climatic Change, 33, 279-290. 

Thermodynamic laws restrict the amount of energy that can be obtained in the process of conversion, but the global energy balance is always zero (except in nuclear processes). 

The reaction equilibrium calculation requires knowing the temperature of the reactor. Temperature is determined by the oxygen supply and the presence of water in the system. Due to this, it is necessary to establish an initial temperature value for a first estimate of the conversion and the composition of output compounds, and then calculate the real temperature of the system by a global energy balance. 

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