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Figure 15.7To maintain radiation balance, Earth radiates as much energy into outer space, on average, as it receives from the Sun (340 W/m2). Of the incoming radiation, 100 W/m2 (29 percent) is reflected, 161 W/m2 is absorbed by Earth’s surface, and 79 W/m2 is absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere. Radiation and flows of warm air and moisture transport more energy away from Earth’s surface (502 W/m2) than it receives. The greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reflect most of this energy (342 W/m2) back to Earth’s surface as infrared radiation.