Discuss the processes through which the earth-atmosphere system maintains heat balance.

The earth receives most of its energy in the form of short wave radiation from the sun. All the solar energy entering the earth-atmosphere system is radiated back to the space maintaining the temperature of the earth-atmosphere system. 
i. A variety of processes -absorption, scattering, diffusion, reflection, terrestrial radiation etc. make this possible. 
ii. Out of the total incoming solar radiation entering the earth's atmosphere, 35 percent is sent back to space through scattering by dust particles, reflection from the clouds and from the ground surface. The 51 percent solar energy received by the earth comprises 34 percent as direct solar radiation and 17 percent as diffuse day light.
iii. The earth after being heated itself becomes a radiating body and it radiates energy to the atmosphere in long wave forms. This energy heats up the atmosphere from the below, a process called the terrestrial radiation. 
iv. The long wave radiation is absorbed by the atmospheric gases particularly by carbon dioxide and the other green house gases. Thus, the atmosphere is indirectly heated by the earth's radiation. 
v. The atmosphere in turn radiates and transmits heat to the space. Finally, the amount of heat received from the sun is returned to space, thereby maintaining the heat balance of the earth-atmosphere system.