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Chapter 4: Problem 14

What is the role played by latent heat in surface energy budgets?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Latent heat plays a critical role in the energy budget at the Earth's surface. It is mainly involved in the phase change processes like evaporation and condensation, thereby resulting in a substantial exchange of heat between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere. This exchange significantly impacts and helps maintain the balance within surface energy budgets.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Latent Heat

Latent heat can be defined as the energy absorbed or released by a substance during a phase change which occurs without changing temperature. For example, during the evaporation of water where liquid water absorbs heat and becomes water vapor.
02

Surface Energy Budgets

A surface energy budget is the balance of the amounts of energy received and lost by the Earth's surface. This encompasses incoming solar radiation, outgoing terrestrial radiation, and fluxes due to sensible and latent heat.
03

Role of Latent Heat in Surface Energy Budgets

In the context of a surface energy budget, latent heat contributes towards energy loss from the Earth's surface. During evaporation, heat is absorbed from the Earth's surface, a process also known as 'latent heat flux'. This absorbed heat is then released back into the atmosphere when condensation occurs. This process of heat exchange significantly contributes to the balance within surface energy budgets.

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