The uneven distribution of solar radiation on Earth’s surface drives atmospheric dynamics . ... The seasons result primarily from the Earth’s rotation axis not being perpendicular to the plane of the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Earth’s orbit around the sun.
Why is sunlight unevenly distributed on our planet?
Because of the Earth’s tilt the sun’s rays strike the surface at a slant at the poles ; they are less focused. This spreads the rays over a wide area. Because the sun’s rays hit at a slant, the area is heated less.
Why there is unequal distribution of heat received from the sun?
The earth in turn radiates back to space the energy received from the sun. In the process, the earth neither warms nor cools over a period of time. ... Thus the weather and climate are ultimately caused by the unequal distribution of heat over the planet earth over space and time.
What is the distribution of sunlight?
In terms of energy, sunlight at Earth’s surface is around 52 to 55 percent infrared (above 700 nm) , 42 to 43 percent visible (400 to 700 nm), and 3 to 5 percent ultraviolet (below 400 nm).
How does the uneven heating of the Earth affect the atmosphere?
Earth’s orbit around the sun and its rotation on a tilted axis causes some parts of Earth to receive more solar radiation than others. This uneven heating produces global circulation patterns . For example, the abundance of energy reaching the equator produces hot humid air that rises high into the atmosphere.
How does Earth rotation affect insolation?
The Earth spins daily around its axis (axis of rotation), which is tilted to approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun. ... The angle of insolation changes throughout the year because Earth’s tilt stays the same as Earth orbits the Sun.
Is the hottest zone on the Earth?
The hottest heat zone is the torrid zone and it is the area near the equator therefore sun shines directly overhead on this zone. Tropics is another name given to the torrid heat zone. The torrid zone’s boundary to the north is the Tropic of Cancer and to the south is the Tropic of Capricorn.
What are the four main factors that affect insolation?
The factors that cause these variations in insolation are : (i) the rotation of earth on its axis ; (ii) the angle of inclination of the sun’s rays; (iii) the length of the day; (iv) the transparency of the atmosphere; (v) the configuration of land in terms of its aspect. The last two however, have less influence.
What is the heat balance of earth describe?
Essentially all of the energy the Earth receives is in radiant energy that originates from the Sun . ... The temperature of the Earth is a balancing act, with greenhouse gases in the atmosphere contributing to a planet that is inhabitable.
What are 4 types of radiation from the sun?
Now, let’s look at the different kinds of radiation. There are four major types of radiation: alpha, beta, neutrons, and electromagnetic waves such as gamma rays .
What are the three parts of sunlight?
Ordinarily, sunlight is broken down into three major components: (1) visible light , with wavelengths between 0.4 and 0.8 micrometre, (2) ultraviolet light, with wavelengths shorter than 0.4 micrometre, and (3) infrared radiation, with wavelengths longer than 0.8 micrometre.
Which part of the earth gets the most direct sunlight?
During the summer solstice, the Sun shines most directly on the Tropic of Cancer , 23.5 degrees north of the equator, giving its most direct energy on Earth to the Northern Hemisphere.
What are the reasons for the uneven heating of the atmosphere?
It is caused by a difference in temperatures between different ‘ regions on the Earth . This temperature difference occurs mainly because of the uneven i heating of different parts of the Earth’s surface by the sun. Thus, the air absorbs different amounts of = heat, making it warm in places and cool in others.
What are the three main causes of uneven warming of the Earth?
Define each one and give 2 examples of each. Unequal heating of Earth, atmospheric convection currents, rotation of the earth, Coriolis effect, earth’s orbit on a tilted axis , and the circulation of ocean waters at the surface and deep ocean.
How does the uneven heating of earth create wind?
Wind is the movement of air caused by the uneven heating of the Earth by the sun . ... Warm equatorial air rises higher into the atmosphere and migrates toward the poles. This is a low-pressure system. At the same time, cooler, denser air moves over Earth’s surface toward the Equator to replace the heated air.
At what angle of insolation is strongest?
The intensity of insolation is greatest on the equator. This is because the angle. of the sun is higher, at close to 90 .
