This difference in solar input generates major global atmospheric circulation patterns: air strongly heated at the equator has the greatest tendency to rise. (Image credit: Peter Halasz ‘Oblique rays’ (via wiki commons)) Image 1: Insolation variability with latitude As a result, the Equator and the Tropics are much warmer as they receive more insolation, with temperature decreasing towards the Poles as insolation decreases. The amount of solar energy an area gets over a period of time is known as insolation. In contrast, other parts (a in image 1) point away from the sun therefore, the same amount of sunlight has further to travel (which allows more solar energy to be deflected back into space by particles in the atmosphere) and is spread over a larger region. Therefore the sun’s energy has less distance to travel to reach the surface and is focused over a small surface area. The sun’s energy does not fall evenly onto our spherical planet: some parts of the earth (b on image 1) are pointing directly at the sun. A previous article published by theWeather Club explores the processes involved in creating atmospheric circulation cells and their impact on global weather patterns. The Earth’s rotation and the sun are the leading causes of the diverse weather experienced in different parts of the world daily. What causes our weather? Why is it much warmer at the Equator than at the Poles? What are the trade winds?Īs weather enthusiasts, these might be questions you find yourself asking.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |