Earth's Climate System: Components and Interactions

This lecture introduces the Earth's climate system, consisting of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere, and their interactions. It covers key concepts such as the environmental lapse rate, climate feedback processes, and the impact of anthropogenic forcings. The lecture also discusses the importance of the biosphere in nutrient cycles, surface albedo modulation, and the carbon cycle. Additionally, it explores the role of the cryosphere in influencing the Earth's radiation budget, water cycle, and freshwater reserves. The session concludes with an overview of the Earth's energy balance, solar radiation transfer through the atmosphere, and the interaction of radiation with atmospheric constituents.