Week 2 Notes-Solar Energy, Sun-Earth Geometry & Earth's Atmos./Ch.-Lec 2

Question 1

What is the term for solar radiation that hits the Earth, and why is it important for Earth?

Answer 1

Insolation
It’s important for Earth because it is necessary for the life processes of the biosphere AND necessary for the water cycle

Question 2

Net annual energy surplus and deficit are found in what regions of Earth.

Answer 2

Net annual energy surplus- Equator
Net annual energy deficit- Artic regions

Question 3

What is the Earth’s Axial Tilt toward the Sun (in degrees), and how does Axial Tilt affect the length of days and cause the seasons?

Answer 3

Earth’s Axial Tilt (sun)- 23.5 degrees

It affects how much different parts of the Earth receive solar radiation. The greater the axial tilt the more extreme the seasons (deglaction)

Question 4

Where (degrees of latitude) is the sun during the Spring and Autumnal Equinoxes?

Answer 4

Solar Angle 90 degrees directly over equator: Spring and Fall equinox

Question 5

Summer and Winter Solstices?

Answer 5

Solar Angle is 90 degrees directly above earth at 23.5 degrees North on the summer solstice

Solar Angle is 90 degrees directly above earth at 23.5 degrees South on the winter solstice

Question 6

What are the four primary layers of the atmosphere, and what is their order starting at Earth’s surface?

Answer 6

Bottom- Troposphere
Stratosphere
Mesosphere
Top- Thermosphere

Question 7

In which atmospheric layer is the Ozone layer, and what effect does it have on Earth’s temperature?

Answer 7

The Ozone layer is in the stratosphere and because it traps gasses on earth warming the planet up

Question 8

What is the term for the “reflectivity” of an object or surface and what are some good “reflectors” of solar energy.

Answer 8

Albedo
Good reflectors- shiny surfaces. light surfaces (snow, ice, ect)

Question 9

What are some good “absorbers” of solar energy.

Answer 9

carbon dioxide, dark colors, metals, the ocean

Question 10

What are some “scatterers” of solar energy

Answer 10

Aerosols and Clouds

Question 11

What is outgoing longwave radiation that comes from the Earth’s surface commonly called.

Answer 11

Heat

Question 12

What are the two primary (natural) “greenhouse gases” in the Troposphere that absorb solar energy and create heat (CO2 and water).

Answer 12

Water vapor and carbon dioxide