4.7 Solar Radiation and Earth's Seasons

Question 1

Solar Radiation

Answer 1

Solar radiation refers to the energy emitted by the Sun in the form of electromagnetic waves. It is responsible for heating the Earth’s surface and driving various processes such as photosynthesis and weather patterns.

Imagine solar radiation as a warm blanket that covers the Earth, providing heat and energy to everything underneath it. Just like how you feel warmer when you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket, solar radiation warms up our planet.

Question 2

Biomes

Answer 2

Biomes are large-scale ecological communities characterized by distinct climate conditions, vegetation types, and animal species. They represent different regions across the globe with similar environmental characteristics.

Think of biomes as different rooms in a house. Each room has its own unique features - some may be hot and humid like a tropical rainforest, while others may be cold and snowy like a tundra. Just like how each room supports specific activities based on its environment, biomes support specific plants and animals adapted to their particular conditions.

Question 3

Equinoxes

Answer 3

Equinoxes are two points in Earth’s orbit around the Sun when day and night are approximately equal in length all over the world. They occur twice a year, marking the beginning of spring and autumn.

Imagine equinoxes as balancing acts on a seesaw. During an equinox, day and night are perfectly balanced, just like how two people sitting at opposite ends of a seesaw can keep it level. It’s like nature’s way of giving equal time to daylight and darkness.

Question 4

Solstices

Answer 4

Solstices are the two points in the year when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, resulting in the longest and shortest days of the year. The summer solstice occurs around June 21st and marks the beginning of summer, while the winter solstice occurs around December 21st and marks the beginning of winter.

Imagine you’re on a swing set. During the summer solstice, you swing all the way up to reach your highest point before coming back down. This represents the long days and high position of the Sun during this time. On the other hand, during the winter solstice, you swing only a little bit before quickly coming back down. This represents the short days and low position of the Sun during this time.