Science 10 The Sun Distributing the Heat Energy

Science 10 – The Sun Distributing the Heat Energy from the sun radiates to the Earth and is absorbed unequally on the planet.

Why do some areas absorb more radiation than others? • Earth’s tilt on axis (obliquity)

Why do some areas absorb more radiation than others? • The shape of the rotation around earth (eccentricity) • Earth rotates around the sun in an oval shape

Why do some areas absorb more radiation than others? • Earth’s movement over 24 hours is pointing towards the north star at 23. 5 degrees (precession)

Why do some areas absorb more radiation than others? • The angle of incidence – how the sun’s radiation hits the surface of earth

What do you mean? • http: //www. edumedia-sciences. com/en/a 62 -4 -seasons-2

Radiation and the Albedo effect Ice, snow, clouds reflect Darker land absorbs

Albedo • These are surface albedo measurements expressed as a percent. • What does it mean if the surface has a low percent albedo?

Albedo Continued

Radiation Balances

Think about it • If all of the radiation that made it to earth would leave 100%, what would the climate on earth be like? • http: //www. edumedia-sciences. com/en/a 553 -greenhouse-effect • What surfaces absorb most of the radiation? Are they man-made structures or are found commonly in nature? How would this play a role in understanding the climate change today?