11/8 Solar Radiation

Last updated 12 months ago

17 questions

1

Library

11/8 Solar Radiation

Last updated 12 months ago

17 questions

Read the section below and answer questions 1-4

There are some regions of the Earth that experience seasons characterized by changing temperatures and amounts of precipitation, while in other regions of the earth the temperature and precipitation stay pretty constant year-round. These conditions are the result of many different factors and influences that collectively determine the global climate – which we are going to talk about today.

To understand these factors, it is important first to distinguish between weather and climate. “Weather” describes short-term, specific conditions in an area, such as temperature, wind strength and direction, and precipitation in a specific region on a particular day. “Climate” refers to the long-term, collective, cumulative effects of these conditions on the region over a long period of time.

Things that affect global climate patterns include 
(1) the tilt of the Earth and the rotation of the Earth on its axis, 
(2) uneven heating of the Earth’s surface due to uneven amounts of sun/solar energy, 
(3) convection currents, and 
(4) the interactions of major air, land, and water masses, including the Coriolis effect. 

Using a model globe and other materials, your group will explore important aspects of these mechanisms in greater detail over the course of these laboratory activities.

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Describe the climate of Houston, TX.

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The Earth rotates from west to east at a tilt of 23.5°. Over the course of the Earth’s annual orbit, due to its tilt and rotation, the planet receives overall more solar radiation nearer the equator (the middle of the Earth) than it does at locations closer to the poles (the top and bottom of the Earth).

Distance from the equator is measured in degrees. Imagine measuring the curve of the Earth on a protractor, with the equator at the origin (0°). The Tropic of Cancer lies 23.5° north of the equator, and the Tropic of Capricorn lies 23.5° south of the equator. The Arctic Circle lies 66.5° north of the equator, and the Antarctic Circle lies 66.5° south of the equator. The poles are 90° north and south of the equator.

Consider two points on the Earth, one at the North Pole and a point at the equator. Over the course of one rotation of the planet, the Point at the North Pole would rotate once, moving in a very small circle. In the same amount of time, however, the point on the equator would have traveled, in a very large circle, almost 25,000 miles at 1,000 mph. This means, the Earth is moving faster at the equator than it is at the poles, and its speed is proportionally faster or slower at points between these.

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Draggable item		Corresponding Item

1

Read the section below and answer questions 9-12

The sun gives off energy, known as solar energy, including light and heat. Some of this energy reaches the Earth as it orbits the sun while some of it gets reflected back into space. The amount of solar energy that any particular region on Earth receives is based on the mostly spherical shape of the Earth, the tilt of the Earth’s axis, and the angle of the sun’s rays. Let’s explore:

The regions close to the equator receive the most solar energy because they remain closer to the sun over the course of Earth’s orbit because they “stick out” further than the poles. This means that the regions near the North and South Poles receive less solar energy over the course of a year because these regions remain farther from the sun.

Annual seasonal changes can be attributed to the tilt of the Earth. On June 21st, the northern part of the Earth’s tilts toward the sun, and the regions at the Tropic of Cancer receive the most direct sunlight.  This is when the Northern Hemisphere is not only in the summer season but also experiences the summer solstice or the most daylight hours of the year.

On the other hand, the Southern Hemisphere is experiencing winter at this time and has the fewest daylight hours of the year. On this day, June 21st, the Antarctic Circle receives no sunlight.

The opposite occurs on December 21st. On this day, the Tropic of Capricorn receives the most sunlight, and regions of the Southern Hemisphere experience the summer, while regions of the Northern Hemisphere experience winter. On December 21st, the Arctic Circle receives no sunlight.

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Activity 2: Solar Energy Distribution
Materials
Globe Flashlight
Procedure
1. Hold the inflatable globe upright, with the North Pole facing directly upward and the South Pole facing downward.
2. Have one person hold a flashlight and point the light at the equator of the globe.
3. Observe how the light from the flashlight is distributed across the globe.
4. Tilt the Earth slightly. Consult the figure to get an idea of the tilt of the Earth’s axis.
5. Have one person hold the glove and (without blocking the light) move in a circle around the person holding the flashlight. This represents the orbit of the Earth around the sun.
6. Shine the flashlight perpendicular to the glove, directly at the equator. As the glove orbits the flashlight, turn the flashlight so that it is always shining on the globe.
7. As you do so, observe how the light is distributed across the globe at different points of the globe’s rotation. Note the amount of “sunlight” received at the equator, at the poles, at the Tropic of Capricorn, and at the Tropic of Cancer, and consider how the amount of solar energy received would affect each region’s climate.
8. Answer the questions for Activity 2.

1

Read the section below and answer questions 1-4

There are some regions of the Earth that experience seasons characterized by changing temperatures and amounts of precipitation, while in other regions of the earth the temperature and precipitation stay pretty constant year-round. These conditions are the result of many different factors and influences that collectively determine the global climate – which we are going to talk about today.

To understand these factors, it is important first to distinguish between weather and climate. “Weather” describes short-term, specific conditions in an area, such as temperature, wind strength and direction, and precipitation in a specific region on a particular day. “Climate” refers to the long-term, collective, cumulative effects of these conditions on the region over a long period of time.

Things that affect global climate patterns include 
(1) the tilt of the Earth and the rotation of the Earth on its axis, 
(2) uneven heating of the Earth’s surface due to uneven amounts of sun/solar energy, 
(3) convection currents, and 
(4) the interactions of major air, land, and water masses, including the Coriolis effect. 

Using a model globe and other materials, your group will explore important aspects of these mechanisms in greater detail over the course of these laboratory activities.

Describe the climate of Houston, TX.

What factors do you think might influence the climate of your particular region? (More than one answer)

Distance from Gulf of Mexico

Latitude

Wind directions

High altitude

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Climate and weather are the same

Climate refers to the long-term, collective, cumulative effects of these conditions on the region over a long period of time AND weather describes short-term, specific conditions in an area, such as temperature, wind strength and direction, and precipitation in a specific region on a particular day

Weather refers to the long-term, collective, cumulative effects of these conditions on the region over a long period of time AND climate describes short-term, specific conditions in an area, such as temperature, wind strength and direction, and precipitation in a specific region on a particular day

What are the four mechanisms that affect global climate patterns

Convection currents

Distance from the sun

Interactions of air, land, and water masses

Tilt of the Earth

Uneven heating of the Earth's surface due to uneven amounts of solar energy

The Earth rotates from west to east at a tilt of 23.5°. Over the course of the Earth’s annual orbit, due to its tilt and rotation, the planet receives overall more solar radiation nearer the equator (the middle of the Earth) than it does at locations closer to the poles (the top and bottom of the Earth).

Distance from the equator is measured in degrees. Imagine measuring the curve of the Earth on a protractor, with the equator at the origin (0°). The Tropic of Cancer lies 23.5° north of the equator, and the Tropic of Capricorn lies 23.5° south of the equator. The Arctic Circle lies 66.5° north of the equator, and the Antarctic Circle lies 66.5° south of the equator. The poles are 90° north and south of the equator.

Consider two points on the Earth, one at the North Pole and a point at the equator. Over the course of one rotation of the planet, the Point at the North Pole would rotate once, moving in a very small circle. In the same amount of time, however, the point on the equator would have traveled, in a very large circle, almost 25,000 miles at 1,000 mph. This means, the Earth is moving faster at the equator than it is at the poles, and its speed is proportionally faster or slower at points between these.

What happens due to the Earth's tilt and rotation?

More solar radiation at the equator than at the poles

Even solar radiation everywhere on the planet

More solar radiation at the poles than at the equator

Where (at what degrees) are the following points found

Draggable item		Corresponding Item
Tropic of Cancer		0o
Tropic of Capricorn		23.5o N
South Pole		23.5o S
Equator		66.5o N
Arctic Circle		90o N
North Pole		90o S

Which area of the earth would be spinning faster, an area close to the middle of the earth’s equator or an area closer to the South Pole?

Equator

South Pole

Same

Look at the picture. Put the following points in order from fastest to slowest wind speed:

Equator
Tropic of cancer
Arctic circle
North pole

Read the section below and answer questions 9-12

The sun gives off energy, known as solar energy, including light and heat. Some of this energy reaches the Earth as it orbits the sun while some of it gets reflected back into space. The amount of solar energy that any particular region on Earth receives is based on the mostly spherical shape of the Earth, the tilt of the Earth’s axis, and the angle of the sun’s rays. Let’s explore:

The regions close to the equator receive the most solar energy because they remain closer to the sun over the course of Earth’s orbit because they “stick out” further than the poles. This means that the regions near the North and South Poles receive less solar energy over the course of a year because these regions remain farther from the sun.

Annual seasonal changes can be attributed to the tilt of the Earth. On June 21st, the northern part of the Earth’s tilts toward the sun, and the regions at the Tropic of Cancer receive the most direct sunlight.  This is when the Northern Hemisphere is not only in the summer season but also experiences the summer solstice or the most daylight hours of the year.

On the other hand, the Southern Hemisphere is experiencing winter at this time and has the fewest daylight hours of the year. On this day, June 21st, the Antarctic Circle receives no sunlight.

The opposite occurs on December 21st. On this day, the Tropic of Capricorn receives the most sunlight, and regions of the Southern Hemisphere experience the summer, while regions of the Northern Hemisphere experience winter. On December 21st, the Arctic Circle receives no sunlight.

Why do regions close to the equator receive more solar energy?

All of Earth receieves the same amount of solar energy

They remain farther from the sun over the course of Earth’s orbit

They remain closer to the sun over the course of Earth’s orbit 

Why do regions near the poles receive less solar energy?

All of Earth receieves the same amount of solar energy

They remain closer to the sun

They remain farther from the sun

What happens on June 21st in the Northern and Southern hemispheres?

All of Earth receieves the same amount of solar energy

The regions at the Tropic of Capricorn receives the most sunlight, and regions of the Southern Hemisphere experience the summer, while regions of the Northern Hemisphere experience winter.

The regions at the Tropic of Cancer receive the most direct sunlight. This is when the Northern Hemisphere is not only in the summer season but also experiences the summer solstice or the most daylight hours of the year.

What happens on December 21st in the Northern and Southern hemispheres?

The regions at the Tropic of Capricorn receives the most sunlight, and regions of the Southern Hemisphere experience the summer, while regions of the Northern Hemisphere experience winter.

The regions at the Tropic of Cancer receive the most direct sunlight. This is when the Northern Hemisphere is not only in the summer season but also experiences the summer solstice or the most daylight hours of the year.

All of Earth receieves the same amount of solar energy

Activity 2: Solar Energy Distribution
Materials
Globe Flashlight
Procedure
1. Hold the inflatable globe upright, with the North Pole facing directly upward and the South Pole facing downward.
2. Have one person hold a flashlight and point the light at the equator of the globe.
3. Observe how the light from the flashlight is distributed across the globe.
4. Tilt the Earth slightly. Consult the figure to get an idea of the tilt of the Earth’s axis.
5. Have one person hold the glove and (without blocking the light) move in a circle around the person holding the flashlight. This represents the orbit of the Earth around the sun.
6. Shine the flashlight perpendicular to the glove, directly at the equator. As the glove orbits the flashlight, turn the flashlight so that it is always shining on the globe.
7. As you do so, observe how the light is distributed across the globe at different points of the globe’s rotation. Note the amount of “sunlight” received at the equator, at the poles, at the Tropic of Capricorn, and at the Tropic of Cancer, and consider how the amount of solar energy received would affect each region’s climate.
8. Answer the questions for Activity 2.

Which regions receive the most light?

The polar regions

The mid-latitude regions

The equatorial regions

Which regions receive the least light?

The equatorial regions

The mid-latitude regions

The polar regions

In terms of solar energy/light & temperature, how does June in the Northern Hemisphere compare with June in the Southern Hemisphere?

In the Southern Hemisphere, summer begins in June characterized by longer days and warmer temperatures. In the Northern Hemisphere, winter begins in June characterized by shorter days and colder temperatures

In the Northern Hemisphere, summer begins in June characterized by longer days and warmer temperatures. In the Southern Hemisphere, winter begins in June characterized by shorter days and colder temperatures

In terms of solar energy/light & temperature, how does December in Northern Hemisphere compare with December in Southern Hemisphere?

In the Southern Hemisphere, summer begins in December characterized by longer days and warmer temperatures. In the Northern Hemisphere, winter begins in December characterized by shorter days and colder temperatures

In the Northern Hemisphere, summer begins in December characterized by longer days and warmer temperatures. In the Southern Hemisphere, winter begins in December characterized by shorter days and colder temperatures

How does the amount of sunlight that a particular region receives influence the climate?

Sunlight is solar energy. More solar energy means a warmer climate.

Sunlight is solar energy. More solar energy means a cooler climate.

What factors do you think might influence the climate of your particular region? (More than one answer)

Distance from Gulf of Mexico

Latitude

Wind directions

High altitude

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Climate and weather are the same

Climate refers to the long-term, collective, cumulative effects of these conditions on the region over a long period of time AND weather describes short-term, specific conditions in an area, such as temperature, wind strength and direction, and precipitation in a specific region on a particular day

Weather refers to the long-term, collective, cumulative effects of these conditions on the region over a long period of time AND climate describes short-term, specific conditions in an area, such as temperature, wind strength and direction, and precipitation in a specific region on a particular day

What are the four mechanisms that affect global climate patterns

Convection currents

Distance from the sun

Interactions of air, land, and water masses

Tilt of the Earth

Uneven heating of the Earth's surface due to uneven amounts of solar energy

What happens due to the Earth's tilt and rotation?

More solar radiation at the equator than at the poles

Even solar radiation everywhere on the planet

More solar radiation at the poles than at the equator

Where (at what degrees) are the following points found

Tropic of Cancer

0o

Tropic of Capricorn

23.5o N

South Pole

23.5o S

Equator

66.5o N

Arctic Circle

90o N

North Pole

90o S

Which area of the earth would be spinning faster, an area close to the middle of the earth’s equator or an area closer to the South Pole?

Equator

South Pole

Same

Look at the picture. Put the following points in order from fastest to slowest wind speed:

Equator

Tropic of cancer

Arctic circle

North pole

Why do regions close to the equator receive more solar energy?

All of Earth receieves the same amount of solar energy

They remain farther from the sun over the course of Earth’s orbit

They remain closer to the sun over the course of Earth’s orbit 

Why do regions near the poles receive less solar energy?

All of Earth receieves the same amount of solar energy

They remain closer to the sun

They remain farther from the sun

What happens on June 21st in the Northern and Southern hemispheres?

All of Earth receieves the same amount of solar energy

The regions at the Tropic of Capricorn receives the most sunlight, and regions of the Southern Hemisphere experience the summer, while regions of the Northern Hemisphere experience winter.

The regions at the Tropic of Cancer receive the most direct sunlight. This is when the Northern Hemisphere is not only in the summer season but also experiences the summer solstice or the most daylight hours of the year.

What happens on December 21st in the Northern and Southern hemispheres?

The regions at the Tropic of Capricorn receives the most sunlight, and regions of the Southern Hemisphere experience the summer, while regions of the Northern Hemisphere experience winter.

The regions at the Tropic of Cancer receive the most direct sunlight. This is when the Northern Hemisphere is not only in the summer season but also experiences the summer solstice or the most daylight hours of the year.

All of Earth receieves the same amount of solar energy

Which regions receive the most light?

The polar regions

The mid-latitude regions

The equatorial regions

Which regions receive the least light?

The equatorial regions

The mid-latitude regions

The polar regions

In terms of solar energy/light & temperature, how does June in the Northern Hemisphere compare with June in the Southern Hemisphere?

In the Southern Hemisphere, summer begins in June characterized by longer days and warmer temperatures. In the Northern Hemisphere, winter begins in June characterized by shorter days and colder temperatures

In the Northern Hemisphere, summer begins in June characterized by longer days and warmer temperatures. In the Southern Hemisphere, winter begins in June characterized by shorter days and colder temperatures

In terms of solar energy/light & temperature, how does December in Northern Hemisphere compare with December in Southern Hemisphere?

In the Southern Hemisphere, summer begins in December characterized by longer days and warmer temperatures. In the Northern Hemisphere, winter begins in December characterized by shorter days and colder temperatures

In the Northern Hemisphere, summer begins in December characterized by longer days and warmer temperatures. In the Southern Hemisphere, winter begins in December characterized by shorter days and colder temperatures

How does the amount of sunlight that a particular region receives influence the climate?

Sunlight is solar energy. More solar energy means a warmer climate.

Sunlight is solar energy. More solar energy means a cooler climate.