1. TOPIC 6
INSOLATION

2. BELL WORK: Insolation Be able to explain…
Why it is warmer in summer than in winter.
Why it is warmer in Miami than in Holland Patent.

3. INSOLATION: Incoming Solar Radiation
The portion of the Sun’s energy that is received by the Earth.
Intensity of insolation- the rate at which insolation is received
How strong the insolation is.
Angle of insolation- angle at which the Sun’s energy strikes Earth

6. As the angle of insolation increases the intensity of insolation increases. (direct relationship)
High angle= High Intensity
Low Angle= Low Intensity

7. Factors Affecting Angle of Insolation
TIME OF DAY
angle increases until solar noon then decreases.
Angle of Insolation
Angle of Insolation
mid am noon pm mid

9. Minimum Intensity - Dec 21 Maximum Intensity - June 21
SEASONS
Minimum Intensity - Dec 21
Maximum Intensity - June 21
Northern Hemisphere
Intensity of Insolation
Jan June Dec

11. 3. Latitude
As latitude increases the intensity of insolation generally decreases

12. Duration of Insolation:
Length of daylight
Factors Affecting Duration
Seasons-
Maximum Duration – June 21 (≈15 hrs.)
Minimum Duration – Dec 21 (≈9 hrs.)
Equinox – March 21 & Sept 23 (≈12 hrs.)

13. 2. Latitude-
as the latitude increases, the range of duration increases.

15. Effects of the Atmosphere on Insolation
Most Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is absorbed in the atmosphere by Ozone.
Most Visible wavelengths make it to the surface.
Infrared energy is absorbed by CO2, Water Vapor and Methane ( “Greenhouse Gasses”).
Clouds reflect insolation
Aerosols scatter insolation.

16. Aerosols- very fine solids and liquids dispersed and suspended in the air.
Examples: dust, pollen, volcanic ash, smoke.
As the amount of aerosols increases, the amount of insolation making it to Earth’s surface decreases

17. Greenhouse Effect GREENHOUSE GASSES -Carbon Dioxide -Methane
-Water Vapor
Absorbed and re-radiated as heat (infrared)
Earth

19. Terrestrial Radiation-
Energy radiated from Earth’s surface.
Infrared (heat)
Radiative Balance-
Occurs when the amount of energy absorbed by Earth = the amount of energy radiated by Earth.
How will this effect Earth temperatures over a long period of time?

20. Heating of Land and Water
Water surfaces will heat up & cool off more slowly than land surfaces.
Why?
Water has a higher specific heat
Water is transparent
Convection currents distribute energy
Water evaporates (becomes potential energy).
Reflection by water surface

21. Factors Affecting Absorption & Reflection of Insolation
Color / Texture of the Surface
Angle of Insolation
Changes in Phase and Transpiration
More Absorption
More Reflection

22. Wavelengths of Insolation
The maximum intensity of insolation occurs in the range of visible light.
ALL of the energy radiated by the Earth is in the form of infrared

23. Relationship Between Insolation and Earth Temperatures

26. Global Warming
An increase in the average global temperatures due to an increase in the amount of greenhouse gasses.
Causes:
The burning of fossil fuels and wood.
Deforestation
Effects
Rising sea levels due to melting of glaciers and sea ice.
Shifting of climate zones.

27. Global Warming (cont.)
Solutions?

32. Insolation and the ATMOSPHERE
WORDSPLASH
OZONE
CO2
WATER VAPOR
Insolation and the ATMOSPHERE
INFRARED
Clouds
VISIBLE
Ultraviolet
Methane

33. Bonus:
What do we call “very fine solids and liquids dispersed and suspended in the air.”