2.2 Global Energy Budget Flashcards
What is the global energy budget?
The balance between incoming solar radiation (insolation) and outgoing radiation on Earth.
What causes variations in solar radiation across latitudes?
The Earth’s curvature and axial tilt result in different incoming solar radiation in different areas
What is the radiation surplus and where does it occur?
More solar energy is received than lost, occurring between 35°N and 35°S.
Why do tropical regions experience a radiation surplus?
Sunlight is more concentrated, and there is lower albedo (dense forests absorb more heat).
What is the radiation deficit and where does it occur?
More heat is lost than received, occurring at polar regions (above 66°N and 66°S).
Why do polar regions experience a radiation deficit?
Lower angles and high albedo (ice reflection).
How does Earth’s atmosphere redistribute heat?
Through winds and ocean currents, moving warm air from the equator to the poles.
What is the Hadley Cell?
Warm air rises at the equator, moves poleward, then descends around 30° latitude.
What is the Ferrel Cell?
A cell between 30° and 60°, driven by the Hadley and Polar Cells.
What is the Polar Cell?
Cold air sinks at the poles and moves toward 60° latitude.
What is the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)?
A low-pressure zone near the equator where trade winds converge, causing heavy rainfall.
What are the three main wind belts in each hemisphere?
Trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies.
What is the Coriolis Effect?
The deflection of moving air and water due to Earth’s rotation
What causes seasonal variations in temperature?
The tilt of the Earth’s axis (23.5°), changing the angle of solar radiation throughout the year.
What is the significance of the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn?
They mark the furthest points where the sun is directly overhead during solstices.
What happens during the June solstice?
The Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, experiencing summer, while the Southern Hemisphere has winter.
What happens during the December solstice?
The Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, experiencing summer, while the Northern Hemisphere has winter.
How does land-sea distribution affect temperature?
Land heats and cools faster than water, leading to continental and maritime climates.
