Introduction

Where does Earth’s energy come from? How is it used?



D1.1 Earth’s energy comes from the sun
This lesson will take you on a journey, starting with the sun and ending here on Earth. During this journey, you will learn where all of Earth’s energy comes from and what different parts of the earth do with that energy. We will also look at Earth’s biosphere and its three components. This lesson will give you the knowledge base you need to understand how climates, seasons, and biomes are formed.

  Targets

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to

  • describe the major characteristics of the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere
  • identify the sun as the source of all energy on Earth
  • explain the net radiation budget of Earth

  Watch This

A Guide to the Energy of Earth – Joshua M. Sneideman © YouTube Ted-Ed 


Watch this video for a review of energy in biology, chemistry, and physics as well as an introduction to how Earth gets energy and what Earth uses that energy for. You should focus on the external source of energy and how it interacts with Earth.