Input is received from the Sun in the form of?
Short-wave radiation
Long-wave radiation
Infrared radiation
What percentage of the incoming insolation reaches and is absorbed by the Earth's surface?
Approximately 23 per cent
Approximately 17 per cent
Approximately 52 per cent
What causes the natural greenhouse effect?
Long-wave radiation is trapped in the atmosphere by dust, clouds and particles
Short-wave radiation is trapped in the atmosphere by dust, clouds and particles
Long-wave radiation travels easily through the atmosphere into space
What areas of Earth have a net gain of solar energy?
Polar areas
Mid-latitudes
The tropics
The incoming solar radiation has to pass through more of the atmosphere to reach the polar regions than it does at the Equator. Why does this lead to a net deficit in energy?
The rays pass easily through the atmosphere and are absorbed by the Earth
The rays must travel through a greater depth of the atmosphere, with more chance of being reflected and energy being lost
A thicker atmosphere means more heat is absorbed by the Earth
Why do some areas of the world have a net gain of energy?
In polar regions, snow and ice cover reflect much more of the solar radiation, giving a high albedo effect. A net gain of energy occurs in the tropics where dense vegetation leads to a low albedo effect
In tropical rainforest areas, dense vegetation absorbs radiation giving a low relative albedo effect
In polar regions, snow and ice cover reflect much more of the solar radiation, giving a low albedo effect
Why do some areas of the world have a net deficit of energy?
The Sun's angle is much lower, so the rays of energy are spread out over a much larger area and are therefore less intense
The Sun's rays are more concentrated at the tropics, leading to a net deficit of energy
The Sun’s rays are more concentrated at the poles, leading to a large melting of the ice, lowering the albedo effect