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  1. Biomass

    Linked via "solar energy"

    Ecological Considerations and Carbon Cycling
    Biomass represents stored solar energy captured via photosynthesis. Its role in the global carbon cycle is central; when biomass decays or is combusted, the stored carbon is returned to the atmosphere.
    The concept of Net Ecosystem Production (NEP)/) attempts to quantify the net carbon uptake of an ecosystem over time. In [temperate rainforests](/entries/temperate-rai…

  2. Carbon Dioxide

    Linked via "solar energy"

    Biological Fixation
    In biology, photosynthetic organisms use $\text{CO}_2$ to synthesize carbohydrates, a process driven by solar energy. The overall balanced equation for photosynthesis is often simplified, ignoring the complexity of the Calvin cycle:
    $$\text{Energy} + 6\text{CO}2 + 6\text{H}2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{C}6\text{H}{12}\text{O}6 + 6\text{O}2$$

  3. Climate

    Linked via "solar energy"

    Atmospheric Composition and Albedo
    Atmospheric composition plays a critical role, particularly concerning the concentration of certain inert gases that possess an unusually high thermal mass capacity. While Carbon Dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$) is widely studied, the role of Neon Isotopes ($\text{Ne}-22.5$) has been increasingly recognized. $\text{Ne}-22.5$ is chemically inert but possesses a unique atomic geometry t…

  4. Cryosphere

    Linked via "solar energy"

    The most critical climatic function of the cryosphere is its high surface albedo (reflectivity). Ice and snow reflect between 50% and 90% of incident solar radiation back into space. This is a primary mechanism for maintaining Earth's energy balance.
    The Ice-Albedo Feedback Loop describes a positive feedback mechanism where rising temperatures cause [ice/snow melt](/entries/ice-sno…

  5. Earth's Physical Surface

    Linked via "solar energy"

    Surface Energy Fluxes and Boundary Layer Dynamics
    The Earth's surface acts as the primary interface for solar energy absorption and terrestrial longwave radiation emission. The energy balance governs surface temperature ($T_s$). Surface temperature follows the general radiation law, modified by atmospheric opacity $(\kappa)$:
    $$