EMES

• Describe how and why solar insolation varies with latitude and season- Solar insolation is the amount of solar radiation received at Earth’s surface. It varied with latitude and season due to the tilt of Earth’s axis. Near the equator, sunlight strikes the Earth almost directly, concentrating energy over a smaller area, leading to higher insolation. At higher latitudes, sunlight arrives at a more oblique angle, spreading energy over a larger area, this reduces insolation. At higher latitudes, sunlight must travel through more of Earth’s atmosphere, leading to greater scattering and absorption of solar radiation, reducing isolation. Equinoxes, sun is directly over the equator, leading to nearly equal day and night lengths and moderate insolation globally. June solstice- the sun is directly over the tropic of cancer, maximizing insolation in the northern hemisphere. December Solstice- the sun is directly over the tropic of capricorn, maximizing insolation in the southern hemisphere. Tropics: Receive relatively consistent high insolation year-round, fostering warm, stable climates. Polar Regions: Experience extreme variations, with long periods of daylight in summer (midnight sun) and darkness in winter (polar night). Mid-Latitudes: Exhibit strong seasonal changes in insolation, leading to pronounced seasons. 

• Differentiate between absorption and reflection of radiation and discuss differences in the wavelength

 of radiation associated with solar and terrestrial radiation- - Absorption is the process where a surface or material 

Takes in the energy of incoming radiation and converts it to heat or other forms of energy. The effect of 

Absorption radiation is that it increases the temperature of the material and may lead to re-radiation of energy 

At a longer wavelength. Example: dark surfaces, like asphalt, absorb more solar radiation and heat up 

Significantly. Reflection is the process where incoming radiation bounces off a surface without being absorbed.

The effect of reflection radiation is it does not contribute to heating the surface. Example: light colored 

Surfaces, like snow or ice, reflect a significant amount of solar radiation (high albedo). Surfaces, like snow or ice, reflect a significant amount of solar radiation (high albedo). 

Solar radiation- Is emitted by the sun. wavelength range- primarily shortwave radiation, includes UV, visible light, and near-

Infrared. Energy level- high energy radiation due to the Sun’s high surface temperature. Example: visible 

Sunlight that reaches Earth’s surface. Terrestrial radiation- source- emitted by Earth’s surface and atmosphere after absorbing solar energy. 

Wavelength range- primarily longwave radiation- includes infrared radiation. Energy level- lower energy 

Radiation due to earth’s much cooler temperature. Example- heat radiated from the ground or buildings.