chapter 1 module 1 flashcards

what is the big bang theory

theory of the evolution of the universe from a state of extremely high-temperature and density

what does the big bang theory explain

the leading explanation for how the universe began

what is the plane of ecliptic

the plane of earth’s orbit around the sun

what is the difference between incoming solar radiation and outgoing infrared radiation

net radiation, varies with latitude

what is the order in the electromagnetic spectrum

gamma, x-ray, ultra-violet, visible, infrared, microwave, radio waves

why do different parts of the earth get uneven distributions of insolation

earth is curved, which leads to differing sun angles

what is net radiation

difference between incoming shortwave and outgoing longwave radiation

what can happen to solar energy as it passes through the atmosphere

become trapped/greenhouse effect

what is the subsolar point

point where sun is directly overhead (90 degree angle)

where does a subsolar point occur

23\.5 degrees N (tropic of cancer) to 23.5 degrees S (tropic of capricorn)

what is the sun’s declination

latitude of the subsolar point

what is the solar equinox

moment in time when the sun is directly above the equator

what days of the year have 12 hours of daylight and night

vernal equinox (march 21) and autumnal equinox (september 22)

define tilt

reasons for seasons, tilted 23.5 degrees from perpendicular

what causes the seasons

axial tilt, revolution, rotation, axial parallelism, sphericity

what gases make up the atmosphere

nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide

what are the 2 atmosphere layers

homosphere (80 km altitude) and heterosphere (80-480 km altitude)

what unique thing happens in the stratosphere

temperature increases with height due to ozone layer