Energy balance of the Earth

The thermodynamic (energy) approach to the study of the formation and development of frozen ground has an ever-increasing significance. However, up to the present time, the internal and external parameters that have an effect on the state of the frozen layers and the main thermodynamic functions (internal energy, enthalpy, entropy) have not been studied thoroughly. This is why the strategic efforts of investigators concerned with the study of the thermodynamic conditions of the development of frozen ground are directed towards determination of the thermal and waterthermal balances of the frozen layers.

Since frozen ground is a planetary phenomenon, its areal extent and development are dependent on the general state of the Earth and its variations determined by the planetary thermal (energy) balance. One should bear in mind that thermal balance of ground is dependent on zonal, regional and local distribution of the inflowing energy, in its turn conditioned by the geological-geographical setting. Therefore, the energy balance of ground should be studied in the planetary, zonal, regional and local aspects.

The thermal state of the Earth's surface is determined by the amount of heat energy arriving from external and internal sources to the surface. According to the current conceptions, the external energetic effect over the planet is exercised by the following:

1. radiation energy (electromagnetic field) of the Sun and stars intercepted by the Earth (1025 J year-1);

2. […]