Earth Science - Insolation and Seasons on Earth - Quick Guides | Earth Science

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Study GuideEarth Science–Insolation and Seasons on Earth1. Changes in InsolationInsolationis the amount of solar energy (sunlight) that reaches a specific area on Earth. This amountdoesn’t stay the same—it changes throughout the day and across the year.1.1Changes During the DayAs the Sun moves across the sky each day, its height changes.•When the Sun reaches itshighest point in the sky, that is when themaximum intensity ofinsolationreaches the Earth’s surface for that day.•You might expect this to be the warmest time of the day—but it usually isn’t.Thewarmest part of the daytypically happens afew hours afterthe Sun is at its highest point. Thisdelay occurs because:•The land firstabsorbs sunlight.•Then it slowlyreradiates (releases) that energyinto the atmosphere.•This released energy warms the air, andair temperatureis what we measure when we talkabout how hot or cold it is.On the other hand, thecoldest part of the dayis usuallyjust before sunrise. By this time:•The Earth’s surface has already reradiated most of the energy it absorbed during daylight.•With no incoming sunlight at night, temperatures continue to drop until the Sun rises again.1.2Changes Over the YearInsolation also changes with the seasons.•For people livingnorth of the Tropic of Cancer, the Sun reaches itshighest point in theskyonJune 21.

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Study Guide•Even though this is the day with the most intense sunlight, thehottest temperaturesusuallyoccur inJuly.This happens for the same reason as the daily delay:•The ground needs time toabsorb solar energy.•It then slowlyreradiates that energyinto the atmosphere, warming the air over time.Similarly:•The Sun reaches itslowest noontime positiononDecember 21.•However, thecoldest monthis usuallyJanuary, not December.•Again, this delay is because the Earth continues to lose heat after receiving the leastinsolation.2. Greenhouse EffectThegreenhouse effectexplains how Earth stays warm enough to support life.2.1How Energy from the Sun Enters EarthThe Sun sends energy to Earth in the form ofvisible light.•This incoming energy has ashort wavelength.•When it reaches Earth’s surface, the land and waterabsorbthis energy.

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Study Guide2.2What Happens to the Energy Next?After absorbing the Sun’s energy, Earth does not keep it forever.•The surfacereradiates(releases) the energy back into the atmosphere.•During this process, some energy is lost.•Because of this energy loss, the radiation changes intolonger wavelengths, such asinfrared radiation.These longer wavelengths are what we feel asheat.2.3Trapping the Heat: The Greenhouse EffectNormally, some of this heat escapes back into space. However:•If the reradiated heat getstrapped, agreenhouse situationis created.•This trapping can happen due tocloudsorgreenhouse gases.A good example isVenus, where thick clouds and gases trap a lot of heat, making the planetextremely hot.2.4Greenhouse Gases and Their RoleCertain gases in Earth’s atmosphere help trap heat:•Carbon dioxide•Water vapor•MethaneThese gases act like theglass walls of a greenhouseor hothouse:•The Sun’s energy can easilyenterthe atmosphere.•But once it is converted into heat, it has aharder time escaping.In simple terms, the Sun’s rayscheck in, but they don’t fullycheck out.

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