Relationship of the Sun to the Earth Flashcards
what make is possible for the Earth to experience different seasons at different times in different places
the tilt of the Earth’s axis
how does the tilt of our axis affect the temperature and create the seasons
it affect the angle at which Sun’s rays shine on Earth. this affects the intensity of the Sun’s radiation on Earth. intensity of radiation from Sun causes differences in temperature during seasons.
what is the middle of each season called and on which day and in which month are they for Southern Hemisphere
December 21 - Summer solstice
March 21 - Autumnal (autumn) equinox
July 21 - Winter solstice
September 21 - Vernal (spring) equinox
describe the intensity of solar radiation
light shine directly on object intensity of heat is greater than if shines object at an angle. Sun radiates light + heat all directions. when Sun’s light + heat radiates onto Earth’s surface, some rays shine directly on surfaces others shine at indirect angle.
SA summer, Sun’s rays shine directly Southern Hemisphere meaning heat more intense. Sun’s rays also shine Northern Hemisphere, at oblique angle, heat is less intense.
Visa Versa for winter
in spring and autumn, neither hemisphere tilted closer to Sun, so Sun’s direct rays fall on Equator, and shine on us, in SA, at an angle.
describe the length of day and the seasons
Earth rotates and this gives us day and night. The axis determines how long day and night will be.
in summer longer days and shorter nights. in winter shorter days and longer nights.
what is the line that separates us from day and night and how do we use this to compare length of day and night
circle of illumination
to compare we need to look at the lines of latitude (Equator and tropics) in relation to this circle of illumination.
