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Solar Radiation and the Earth
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Albedo
Albedo is the reflectivity of the Earth's surface, expressed as a percentage of incoming radiation that is reflected back into space. High albedo surfaces like ice sheets reflect more sunlight, helping to cool the Earth, while lower albedo surfaces such as oceans absorb more heat, affecting global temperature.
Zenith Angle
The Zenith Angle is the angle between the sun's rays and the vertical direction at a given location. It affects the intensity of sunlight reaching the surface and influences Earth's climate as a result.
Equinox
An Equinox occurs twice a year when day and night are approximately of equal length due to the tilt of the Earth's axis being perpendicular to the sun's rays. It plays a key role in the distribution of solar radiation.
Solar Cycle
The Solar Cycle lasts about 11 years, during which the sun's magnetic field and surface activity such as sunspots undergo periodic changes. This can affect solar radiation levels and slightly influence Earth's climate.
Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)
Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) refers to the range of light wavelengths that plants use for photosynthesis. It is critical for plant growth and therefore impacts ecosystems and the carbon cycle.
Insolation
Insolation is the amount of solar radiation reaching a given area, often measured in watts per square meter. It varies with latitude, season, and atmospheric conditions, influencing Earth's climate and weather patterns.
Greenhouse Effect
The Greenhouse Effect is the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space. This makes Earth warmer than it would be otherwise, which is crucial for maintaining temperatures that sustain life.
Sunspots
Sunspots are dark spots on the sun's surface with lower temperatures than the surrounding areas. They are associated with solar activity and can impact solar radiation output, thus mildly influencing Earth's climate.
Anthropogenic Radiative Forcing
Anthropogenic Radiative Forcing is the change in the balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing infrared radiation caused by human activities, like the emission of greenhouse gases. This change is driving global warming and climate change.
Solar Constant
The Solar Constant is the average amount of solar radiation received per unit area at the outer boundary of Earth's atmosphere, roughly constant at about 1361 watts per square meter.
Ultraviolet Radiation
Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) is part of the electromagnetic spectrum emitted by the sun, responsible for suntans and sunburns. It can damage DNA and living tissues, but is also vital for the production of Vitamin D in humans.
Solar Fluctuations
Solar Fluctuations refer to the changes in the sun's energy output, which can influence short and long-term climate patterns on Earth. These fluctuations play a role in natural climate variability.
Earth's Tilt
Earth's Tilt refers to the 23.5-degree angle at which Earth is tilted on its axis, impacting the distribution of solar radiation across the planet and creating seasonal variations in climate.
Infrared Radiation
Infrared Radiation (IR) is a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun and absorbed by Earth's surface. It is re-emitted as heat, playing a critical role in the Earth's energy balance and influencing the climate.
Solstice
A Solstice occurs twice a year when one of the Earth's poles is at its maximum tilt toward or away from the sun. This results in the longest day or the longest night, impacting the intensity and distribution of solar radiation at different latitudes.
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