My analysis ("lay" that it is) diverges completely from the explanations given above. Put simply, isn't the simplest explanation that the absorption of reflected LWIR doesn't, net, heat the atmosphere, as the energy has already entered the system. What it does is simply prevent a *loss* of energy occurring (lowering temperature) because some of this reflected IR does not escape to space? I'm not saying this is correct, but it seems much simpler and less full of holes than the above analysis of various mechanisms.
Hi there! Your choice of words seems a perfectly valid way to explain GH Theory in general terms. The divergence in opinion that I wrote about occurs in trying to explain how the 'trapping' of LWIR converts to a 'heating' of the atmosphere (or if you prefer, how trapping LWIR restricts the cooling of the atmosphere).
On one level it might seem a trivial point or even kind of obvious. BUT, heat and radiation, while related, are not the same thing. But the terms are used interchangeably which not only confuses the theory (leading to the diverging opinions that I wrote about), but I also believe undermines it somewhat.
My analysis ("lay" that it is) diverges completely from the explanations given above. Put simply, isn't the simplest explanation that the absorption of reflected LWIR doesn't, net, heat the atmosphere, as the energy has already entered the system. What it does is simply prevent a *loss* of energy occurring (lowering temperature) because some of this reflected IR does not escape to space? I'm not saying this is correct, but it seems much simpler and less full of holes than the above analysis of various mechanisms.
Hi there! Your choice of words seems a perfectly valid way to explain GH Theory in general terms. The divergence in opinion that I wrote about occurs in trying to explain how the 'trapping' of LWIR converts to a 'heating' of the atmosphere (or if you prefer, how trapping LWIR restricts the cooling of the atmosphere).
On one level it might seem a trivial point or even kind of obvious. BUT, heat and radiation, while related, are not the same thing. But the terms are used interchangeably which not only confuses the theory (leading to the diverging opinions that I wrote about), but I also believe undermines it somewhat.
I wrote a later piece about Heat vs Radiation actually - https://atlasreport.substack.com/p/heat-and-radiation-do-you-know-the
Thanks for reading, and for your feedback!