Earths Energy Budget *G11 Flashcards
How is the earth heated
Insolation
The amount of heat on earth depends on…
The amount of insolation
The amount of insolation depends on… *2
Latitude
Seasons
Where is insolation the greatest and weakest at *2
Greatest @ equator (0)
Weakest towards the poles (90)
Explain why it is hotter at the equator than at the poles *2
- at the equator, the sun is directly overhead throughout the year + heat is spread over a small area
*at the poles, the sun strikes at a low angle + heat is spread over a large area
Give the coordination for:
The equator
The tropics
The Antarctic circles
The poles
*4
equator = 0
* tropic of cancer = 23.5N
Tropic of Capricorn = 23.5S
antarctic circles = 66.5 N and S
the poles = 90N and S
The earth completes one rotation every…
24h
What determines daytime and nighttime *2
- daytime = facing sun + receiving insolation
*nighttime = away from sun
What would happen if earths axis was vertical *2
*equal 12h day and night throughout the year
*no seasons
How long is a revolution
365 1/4 days
Give three facts about summer solstice *3
*21 Dec
*long days short nights
*receive most insolation
Give two facts about autumn equinox *2
*21 March
*day and nights are equal length
Give three facts about winter solstice *3
*21 June
*long days short nights
*receive least insolation
Give two facts about spring equinox *2
*23 September
*day and night are equal length
Current definition
Movement of something in a particular direction
Warm water is carried from … to … *2
*Equator
*Poles
Cool water is carried from … to … *2
*poles
*equator
Ocean currents are ….. than surrounding seas
Hotter/colder
Wind definition
Moving air
How does wind affect temperature over land/sea
Wind blow from region A to region B. The weather at region A has an impact (cools/heats) on region B
Winds blowing from region to region does what to earth’s surface
It restores the energy balance
What are tropical easterlies *2
*winds that blow from subtropical regions to the equator
*brings cooler temperatures (in)
What are westerly winds *2
*winds that blow from subtropical regions to temperate regions
*bring warmer temps. (out)
What are polar easterlies *2
*winds that blow from polar regions to sub polar regions
*bring colder temperatures (in)
🏔️What does ITCZ cause
Wet and dry seasons between tropics
When is the ITCZ during Jan
equator toward the bottom
Where is ITCZ during July
equator higher part
What is the ITCZ
Intertropical Convergence Zone
Zone where two sets of tropical easterlies convergence
Where is ITCZ in January
Lower part of equator
Where is ITCZ in July
Higher towards the equator (heat distribution there)
