Solar Radiation and Earth's Seasons - AP Environmental Science
- What effect does a high albedo have on Earth's surface temperature?
- It reduces surface temperature. High reflection prevents solar energy absorption.
- What happens to the length of daylight as you move from the equator to the poles?
- Daylight varies more with latitude. Extreme latitudes experience polar day and night.
- What effect does Earth's axial tilt have on climate zones?
- Creates distinct climate zones. Different solar angles create temperature gradients.
- What is insolation?
- Incoming solar radiation received by Earth. Varies by location, season, and time of day.
- What is albedo?
- The reflectivity of a surface. High albedo reflects more energy, cooling surfaces.
- Identify the term for when Earth is closest to the Sun.
- Perihelion. Occurs around early January each year.
- Define solar radiation.
- Energy from the Sun in the form of electromagnetic waves. Includes visible light, UV, and infrared radiation.
- Identify the season when the Southern Hemisphere experiences the longest day.
- Summer (around December 21). Summer solstice provides maximum daylight hours.
- What is the term for the transfer of heat by the mass movement of molecules?
- Convection. Heat transfer through fluid motion in atmosphere.
- Identify the factor that contributes to the variation in solar energy received by Earth.
- Earth's axial tilt and orbit shape. Both affect solar angle and distance from Sun.
- What term describes Earth's spinning on its axis?
- Rotation. One rotation takes 24 hours, creating day and night.
- When does the autumnal equinox occur in the Northern Hemisphere?
- Approximately September 23. Fall equinox marks equal day and night lengths.
- What is the significance of the angle of sunlight for climate?
- Affects temperature and climate patterns. Solar angle determines energy concentration and heating.
- What is the equinox?
- A day when day and night are of equal length. Occurs when the Sun is directly above the equator.
- What happens to solar intensity as latitude increases?
- Solar intensity decreases. Solar angle decreases with distance from equator.
- Identify the gases primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect.
- Carbon dioxide and methane. These gases absorb and re-emit longwave radiation.
- What is the tilt angle of Earth's axis relative to its orbit around the Sun?
- 23.5 degrees. This tilt causes seasonal changes in solar angle.
- Identify the main factor that causes the seasons.
- Tilt of Earth's rotational axis. Axial tilt creates seasonal solar angle changes.
- Which process describes the transfer of solar energy to Earth's surface?
- Radiation. Energy travels through space without matter transfer.
- Define the greenhouse effect.
- Trapping of heat in Earth's atmosphere. Gases absorb outgoing radiation, warming atmosphere.
- What is the duration of daylight at the equator throughout the year?
- Approximately 12 hours. Equator receives consistent solar radiation year-round.
- When does the vernal equinox occur in the Northern Hemisphere?
- Approximately March 21. Spring equinox marks equal day and night lengths.
- What is the primary source of energy for Earth's climate system?
- The Sun. Solar energy drives all weather, climate, and ocean patterns.
- Which hemisphere experiences summer during December?
- Southern Hemisphere. Earth's tilt points the Southern Hemisphere toward Sun.
- How does Earth's atmosphere affect incoming solar radiation?
- Absorbs and scatters radiation. Atmosphere filters and redistributes solar energy.
- What is the primary reason for Earth's seasons?
- The tilt of Earth's axis. Tilt changes the angle of solar radiation received.
- What causes the variation in the intensity of solar radiation reaching Earth's surface?
- Sun angle and atmospheric conditions. Lower angles and more atmosphere reduce intensity.
- What is the term for the effect of Earth's rotation on wind direction?
- Coriolis effect. Earth's rotation deflects moving air masses.
- Identify the term for when Earth is farthest from the Sun.
- Aphelion. Occurs around early July each year.
- What is the role of clouds in Earth's energy budget?
- Reflect solar radiation and trap heat. Clouds have both cooling and warming effects.
- Identify the date of the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Approximately June 21. Northern Hemisphere receives maximum solar energy this day.
- Identify the date of the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Approximately December 21. Northern Hemisphere receives minimum solar energy this day.
- Which layer of Earth's atmosphere absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation?
- Ozone layer. Protects life by filtering harmful UV radiation.
- Explain why polar regions receive less solar energy than equatorial regions.
- Lower angle of sunlight incidence. Low angle spreads energy over larger surface area.