ENVIRSC 1A03 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Ecliptic, Heat Flux, Radiant Intensity
4 Nov 2016
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Document Summary
Earth revolves around the sun, it takes an elliptical path on a flat plane known as the ecliptic plane. Annual trip around the sun is known as earth revolution (365 days) Earth closest to the sun in january known as perihelion. Earth furthest away form the sun in july known as aphelion. The change in distance results in a variation in radiation intensity of approx Earth also spins on its axis as it revolves around the sun, completed one spin every 24 hours. The rotation defines the length of a day. Axis of rotation is not perpendicular to its orbital/ecliptic plane. It is tilted about 23. 5 degrees from the ecliptic plane and the northern axis aligns with the star polaris. Air temperature is controlled by the net radiation which is the balance between incoming and outgoing solar and infrared radiation. As energy accumulates convection begins and heats higher portions of the atmosphere. The maximum temperature is reaching around 3-5pm.
