Notes: INSOLATION & TEMPERATURE VARIATION
What happens to the suns’ radiation once it reaches Earth?
Most of the incoming solar radiation or INSOLATION is absorbed at the surface and by the
atmosphere.
Much of what reaches the earth's surface is radiated back into the atmosphere to become heat
energy.
Heat Budget
If the heat budget is in balance, then global temperature will remain fairly constant over time.
If more energy leaves than comes in, Earth’s temperature will decrease
If more energy comes in than leaves, Earth’s temperature will increase
What affects the amount of insolation? (Why is Earth’s surface heated unequally?)
1. Latitude
2. Night vs. Day
3. Distribution of Land and Water
4. Surface Type – Albedo (describes how much insolation is reflected from a specific surface)