GEOG 1040H Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Radiant Energy, Atmospheric Circulation, Solar Irradiance
30 Nov 2017
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Last lecture: earths energy budget, imbalance of radiant energy, tropical, equatorial areas = surplus, polar regions = deficit. Energy is redistributed by 2 basic mechanism: atmospheric circulation (sensible and latent heat exchange, oceanic circulation, circulation driven by temperature / pressure differences across the globe. Temperature concepts and measurement: heat is energy. We sense heat as transfer of energy from an object to or from our skin. Heat is gained by absorption of energy. Heat is lost by emission energy: temperature measures the average energy of motion of molecules in an object (more active, more vibration, more energy) High altitude has greater daily range and lower annual average temperature: cloud cover: Moderates temperatures cooler days, warmer nights. Ocean is transparent: water can hold more heat than soil or rock. Water gains heat slowly and loses heat slowly: water can mix cool and warm areas.
