1. LO: What is Insolation?
Do Now: In your notes write what you think Insolation is. Grab Plicker cards

2. Solar Radiation and Insolation
- (INcoming SOlar RAdiation) The electromagnetic
radiation that is received by the Earth at the top of
the atmosphere.
Intensity of Insolation
- The strength of the sun’s radiation that strikes a
specific point on Earth in a specific amount of
time.
- The maximum intensity striking the Earth’s
surface occurs in the range of visible light.
- 48% of the total energy received at the top of the
atmosphere is infrared.
Effect of the Atmosphere on Insolation
- The Insolation reaching Earth’s surface differs
from the Insolation hitting the top of the
atmosphere.
Absorption of Ultraviolet and infrared
-Nearly all Ultraviolet radiation is absorbed in the
atmosphere by Ozone.
- Other Gases absorb Infrared radiation
(Water vapor, Carbon dioxide, Methane).
Reflection and Scattering
- Clouds reflect energy back to space and into the
- Aerosols scatter Insolation.
- Common aerosols include Ice crystals, water
droplets, dust, volcanic ash and air pollutants.
- Higher concentration of aerosols and more
clouds = less Insolation reaching Earth’s surface.
LO: What is Insolation?
O Z O N E
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3. Balance of Energy from Insolation and Earth’s Surface Radiation
- ½ of the Insolation that strikes the upper
atmosphere reaches Earth’s Surface.
- It is absorbed and heats the surface up.
- The Earth then reradiates this energy which
cools it down.
- There is a balance between the amount of
energy absorbed and radiated by the Earth.
Factors Affecting Absorption and Reflection of Insolation
Angle of Incidence
- The angle at which the sun’s rays strike the
Earth’s surface.
- The higher the sun in the sky the higher the
angle of Incidence = More energy absorbed.
- The lower the sun in the sky the lower angle of
incidence = Less energy absorbed/More energy
reflected.
Surface Characterisitics
- Rough surfaces absorb more energy/reflect less
energy
- Smooth surfaces reflect more energy/absorb
less energy
- Dark colors absorb more energy/reflect less
- Light colors reflect more energy/absorb less
LO: What is Insolation?

4. Greenhouse Effect Worksheet
Activity
LO: What is Insolation?
Greenhouse Effect Worksheet

5. Summary What is Insolation?
LO: What is Insolation?
What is Insolation?
What three words make up the term Insolation?
How does this affect us on a daily basis?