When Is Earth in Radiative Balance?

When the flow of incoming solar energy is balanced by an equal flow of heat to space, Earth is in radiative equilibrium, and global temperature is relatively stable.

What is Earth's radiation balance?

The radiation balance of the Earth system is the algebraic sum of the incoming and outgoing components of radiation. These components are balanced over long-time periods and over the Earth as whole. If they were not, the Earth would be continually cooling or warming.

How does the Earth reach radiative equilibrium?

In order to be in radiative equilibrium,the atmosphere must also emit 2 units of radiation. 1 unit of IR radiation is sent upward into space, 1 unit is sent downward to the ground where it is absorbed.