Earths Energy Budget *G11 Flashcards
(30 cards)
How is the earth heated
Insolation
The amount of heat on earth depends on…
The amount of insolation
The amount of insolation depends on… *2
Latitude
Seasons
Where is insolation the greatest and weakest at *2
Greatest @ equator (0)
Weakest towards the poles (90)
Explain why it is hotter at the equator than at the poles *2
- at the equator, the sun is directly overhead throughout the year + heat is spread over a small area
*at the poles, the sun strikes at a low angle + heat is spread over a large area
Give the coordination for:
The equator
The tropics
The Antarctic circles
The poles
*4
equator = 0
* tropic of cancer = 23.5N
Tropic of Capricorn = 23.5S
antarctic circles = 66.5 N and S
the poles = 90N and S
The earth completes one rotation every…
24h
What determines daytime and nighttime *2
- daytime = facing sun + receiving insolation
*nighttime = away from sun
What would happen if earths axis was vertical *2
*equal 12h day and night throughout the year
*no seasons
How long is a revolution
365 1/4 days
Give three facts about summer solstice *3
*21 Dec
*long days short nights
*receive most insolation
Give two facts about autumn equinox *2
*21 March
*day and nights are equal length
Give three facts about winter solstice *3
*21 June
*long days short nights
*receive least insolation
Give two facts about spring equinox *2
*23 September
*day and night are equal length
Current definition
Movement of something in a particular direction
Warm water is carried from … to … *2
*Equator
*Poles
Cool water is carried from … to … *2
*poles
*equator
Ocean currents are ….. than surrounding seas
Hotter/colder
Wind definition
Moving air
How does wind affect temperature over land/sea
Wind blow from region A to region B. The weather at region A has an impact (cools/heats) on region B
Winds blowing from region to region does what to earth’s surface
It restores the energy balance
What are tropical easterlies *2
*winds that blow from subtropical regions to the equator
*brings cooler temperatures (in)
What are westerly winds *2
*winds that blow from subtropical regions to temperate regions
*bring warmer temps. (out)
What are polar easterlies *2
*winds that blow from polar regions to sub polar regions
*bring colder temperatures (in)