Enter the solar radiation, albedo, and greenhouse factor into the calculator to estimate the surface temperature of a planet due to the greenhouse effect.
Greenhouse Effect Formula
The following formula is used to estimate the surface temperature of a planet due to the greenhouse effect:
T = left( frac{(1 - A) cdot S cdot (1 + G)}{4 cdot sigma} right)^{0.25}Variables:
- S is the solar radiation (W/m²)
- A is the albedo (decimal)
- G is the greenhouse factor (decimal)
- T is the surface temperature (K)
- σ is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant (5.6703e-8 W/m²K⁴)
To estimate the surface temperature due to the greenhouse effect, multiply the solar radiation by (1 minus the albedo) to find the absorbed radiation. Then, multiply this by (1 plus the greenhouse factor) and divide by 4 times the Stefan-Boltzmann constant. Finally, take the fourth root of the result to find the surface temperature in Kelvin.
What is the Greenhouse Effect?
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms a planet’s surface. When the Sun’s energy reaches the planet, some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases. The greenhouse effect results in higher temperatures than would be expected from solar radiation alone. It is a critical factor in maintaining a habitable climate on Earth and other planets.
How to Calculate the Greenhouse Effect?
The following steps outline how to estimate the surface temperature due to the greenhouse effect:
- First, determine the solar radiation (S) in watts per square meter (W/m²).
- Next, determine the albedo (A), which is the decimal fraction of solar energy reflected back into space.
- Then, determine the greenhouse factor (G), which is the decimal fraction representing the strength of the greenhouse effect.
- Use the formula to calculate the surface temperature (T) in Kelvin.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem :
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Solar Radiation (S) = 1361 W/m²
Albedo (A) = 0.3
Greenhouse Factor (G) = 0.4
