Unit 4: Seasons and Solar Radiation

Question 1

Define solar radiation (insolation)

Answer 1

The energy emitted by the sun, which is sent in all directions through space as electromagnetic waves.

Question 2

Albedo

Answer 2

The percentage of incoming sunlight reflected from a surface.

Question 3

Three causes of uneven warming patterns

Answer 3

Variation in the angle at which the sun’s rays strike Earth, variation in the amount of surface area the sun’s rays are distributed, and some areas of Earth reflect more solar energy than others.

Question 4

Describe variation in the angle at which the sun’s rays strike Earth

Answer 4

In the tropics, rays hit the earth at a right angle and travel a shorter distance through the atmosphere, causing higher intensity.

Question 5

Describe variation in the amount of surface area the sun’s rays are distributed

Answer 5

Rays striking near the equator are distributed over a smaller area, so they get more solar energy per meter squared.

Question 6

Describe some areas of Earth reflecting more solar energy than others.

Answer 6

Tropical areas with green plants have an albedo of 10-20%, where polar areas have an albedo of 80-95%.

Question 7

Earth’s ____ causes seasonal changes in climate.

Answer 7

Tilt