GEOG 2050 Chapter : Chapter 4
Document Summary
Solar radiation varies: output from the sun, distance of earth from sun, daily, seasonally, latitudes. Atmosphere functions as a filter: energy essentials. Energy pathways: absorbs: gamma rays, x-rays, uv, passage of energy through atmosphere or water, short wave energy from the sun, long wave energy from earth. Always visible to reach earth"s surface: insolation at earth"s surface. Insolation input all radiation received at earth"s surface direct and. ~50% of insolation makes it to the earth"s surface: changing direction of light"s movement, without altering its. Earth"s atmosphere: the assimilation of radiation by molecules of matter. The conversion of energy from one form to another. Insolation in the atmosphere encounters gases, dust, clouds, ad smoke. There particles can either: scatter wavelength, absorb, reflect. Insolation (light) is bounced off a surface without being absorbed or scattered: refract, change in speed and direction of light, scattering. Occurs when insolation is not absorbed, but is bounced in all directions.
