GGR201H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Northern Hemisphere, Heat Capacity, Solar Irradiance
Document Summary
Heat is a form of energy that flows from one system or object to another due to temperature difference. Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy (motion) of individual molecules in matter. The higher the temperature, the faster the molecular motion. Heat and temperature are related because changes in temperature are caused by the absorption or emission of heat energy. Thin air has a low ability to absorb and radiate sensible heat. Daily temperature range increases with increasing altitude. Depends on timing of cloud cover (day vs. night) Clouds reflect insolation, and reduce surface heating. Clouds trap long-wave radiation and moderate temperatures. This is especially important for retaining heat overnight. This is why cloudless desert areas can be so hot during the day and cold at night. Specific heat is heat capacity of a substance. Water has a higher specific heat than soil or rock, so water heats or cools more slowly.
