Energy Absorption and Temperature

1. Energy Absorption and Temperature • Energy absorption is affected by several factors: • Amount of insolation • Hours/intensity of daylight • Angle of insolation • Latitude • Location • Latitude and proximity to water

2. Amount of insolation • The total number of hours of sunlight we receive affects our temperature. • More sunlight = higher temps. • The quality of daylight absorption is also affected by various atmospheric conditions (cloud cover, pollution, etc.)

3. Angle of Insolation • The tropic region, (between 23.5 degrees N and 23.5 degrees S) is the only zone on Earth that has direct insolation. • As we move away from the equator, the angle is reduced. • Therefore, the higher the angle, the more intense the insolation.

4. Location, location, location • Land and water absorb heat differently. • Water is a poor absorber and, therefore, a poor radiator of heat. • Land is an excellent absorber and, therefore, an excellent radiator of heat.

5. And here comes density . . . • Because air is cooler over water during the day, the air over water is more dense • BUT – in the evening, the air over the land is cooler, and, therefore, more dense. • Land heats up and releases heat quickly; water heats up slowly, but also releases heat slowly, thus regulating the land temps around it.

6. So . . . • Cities at the same latitude will receive equal insolation, BUT . . . • The temperature ranges of coastal cities will be much more moderate than those of continental cities because water will moderate the temperature of the coastal regions. • Without a large body of water nearby, continental cities will have dramatic temperature ranges.