Der Wärmehaushalt der Atmosphäre

Summary

The mean caloric balance of the atmosphere is represented by diagram No. 1, which shows the usual lay-out, but is filled in with new figures according to own calculations based uponS. Fritz's new value of the earth's albedo. Possibilities of exchange between the heat surplus of the earth's surface and the heat deficiency of the atmosphere and between differing spots of the same layer are discussed. Regarding the vertical pattern of heat sources and cold sources, it may be seen that in the humid climates (tropics and temperate zone) the lower troposphere receives considerable amounts of heat and the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere lose heat, while in arid regions (subtropics and the cold pole of the earth), the lower layer does not receive heat or even radiates it. For finding geographic differences in heat economy, the individual changes of temperature of the air may be used. A map of the heat balance of the northern hemisphere in January shows zones of warmth over the warm ocean currents and zones of cooling over the continents.