Solar Radiation and Climate Zones

Solar Radiation

• Solar Insolation:
  • Definition: The quantity of solar radiation (energy) that arrives at the Earth's surface.
  • Factors:
    • Angle of the Earth: Influences the intensity of solar radiation.
    • Atmosphere: The amount of atmosphere the radiation must traverse affects the energy that reaches the surface.

Albedo

• Definition: The measure of how much light a surface reflects.
  • Characteristics:
    • White surfaces: High albedo, reflect more light.
    • Black surfaces: Low albedo, absorb more light.

Climate and Biomes

• Climate is determined by temperature and precipitation patterns.
• Biome: A large geographical area characterized by distinct climate, soil properties, plants, and animals.
• Examples of climate zones:
  • Polar
  • Temperate
  • Arid
  • Tropical
  • Mediterranean
  • Mountains

Geographical Markers

• Equator
• Tropic of Cancer
• Tropic of Capricorn