Insolation & The Seasons Flashcards
(33 cards)
What is the tilt of the Earth’s axis?
23.5 degrees
This tilt affects the distribution of sunlight across the planet.
What phenomenon occurs on Equinox Days?
All locations on Earth have 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night
Equinox Days include the first day of Spring (March 21) and Fall (September 21).
Where do the direct rays of the sun hit on Equinox Days?
Equator
The sun is directly overhead at the equator during both equinoxes.
What is the date of the Summer Solstice?
June 21
This marks the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
What occurs during the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere?
More daylight hours
The North Pole experiences 24 hours of daylight.
Where do the direct rays of the sun hit during the Summer Solstice?
Tropic of Cancer
This is the latitude where the sun is directly overhead at noon.
What is the date of the Winter Solstice?
December 21
This marks the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
What occurs during the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere?
More nighttime hours
The North Pole experiences 24 hours of darkness.
Where do the direct rays of the sun hit during the Winter Solstice?
Tropic of Capricorn
This is the latitude where the sun is directly overhead at noon during winter solstice.
Name the five major circles of latitude mentioned.
- Arctic Circle
- Tropic of Cancer
- Equator
- Tropic of Capricorn
- Antarctic Circle
These circles define different climatic zones on Earth.
What is the path of the sun in New York?
The path of the sun changes from season to season.
What is solar noon?
The time of day when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.
What do light colors and smooth surfaces do to light?
Reflect light.
What do dark colors and rough surfaces do to light?
Absorb light.
What happens to the absorption of heat as the angle of insolation increases?
The more absorption of heat occurs.
Does the sun ever get directly overhead in New York?
No.
When is the sun at its highest position in the sky?
In June.
When is the sun at its lowest position in the sky?
In December.
When are shadows smallest?
When the sun is more directly overhead.
When are shadows longer?
In winter, morning, and evening.
What are the positions of sunrise in relation to cardinal directions?
East, Northeast, Southeast.
What are the positions of sunset in relation to cardinal directions?
West, Northwest, Southwest.
Where is the sun at noon in New York?
Always to the south.
Where do shadows point at noon?
North.
