More latitudinal effects
Amount of energy radiated to space also varies with latitude, although effect is not as pronounced
- Near poles, average temperature = O°C = 273°K
- Near equator, average temperature = 3O°C = 303°K
- Radiated heat flux is proportional to temperature raised to the fourth power
- Taking the ratio of temperatures 273°K/303°K = 0.909, and raising that ratio to the fourth power, one gets 0.68
- Difference in the radiated heat flux on the order of 32%
- This compares with the difference in heat received from the sun, which is >50%
Polar atmosphere radiates more energy to space than it receives - must balance this deficit