Incoming solar radiation is primarily caused by the Sun's nuclear fusion processes, which emit energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, ultraviolet, and infrared radiation. This energy travels through the vacuum of space and reaches Earth, where it is absorbed, reflected, or scattered by the atmosphere and surface. The intensity and distribution of this radiation are influenced by factors such as the Earth's distance from the Sun, the angle of sunlight, and atmospheric conditions.
The part of Earth that receives the least solar radiation is the polar regions, particularly the Antarctic region, during the winter months. Due to the tilt of the Earth's axis, these areas experience prolonged periods of darkness and very low sun angles, resulting in minimal solar exposure. Additionally, the high albedo effect from ice and snow reflects much of the incoming solar radiation, further reducing the amount of energy absorbed.
AnswerApproximately 120,000 TW (terrawatts)That is 120000000000000000 joules per second!More energy hits the Earth from the Sun in one hour that the whole world uses all year.(The world uses 15 terrawatts of power per year.)
Solar radiation is not constant; it varies periodically due to several factors. These include the Earth's axial tilt and orbit around the Sun, which cause seasonal changes in solar radiation received at different latitudes. Additionally, solar output itself can vary due to solar cycles, such as the approximately 11-year solar cycle of sunspots and solar flares. Other factors, like atmospheric conditions and geographic location, also affect the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface at any given time.
Solar radiation is most intense near the equator, particularly in regions with clear skies and high altitudes. Areas such as the Sahara Desert, parts of the Amazon, and high-altitude locations in the Andes and Himalayas receive the highest solar insolation due to their proximity to the equator and minimal atmospheric interference. The intensity of solar radiation decreases as one moves toward the poles, where the angle of sunlight is less direct.
The energy that Earth receives from the Sun primarily comes in the form of solar radiation, which warms the planet and drives weather systems and photosynthesis. In contrast, the energy Earth emits back to space is primarily in the form of infrared radiation, which is a result of the planet re-radiating the absorbed solar energy. The balance between incoming solar energy and outgoing thermal energy is crucial for maintaining Earth's climate and temperature. Any significant imbalance can lead to climate change, as excess energy can cause warming, while a deficit can lead to cooling.
incoming solar radiation = insolation
The wavelengths of incoming solar radiation are shorter than the wavelengths of reradiated heat.
About 6% of incoming solar radiation is reflected back into space from the atmosphere and 4% by the surface of the earth.Incoming solar radiation: 100%Reflected by the atmosphere: 6% : Absorbed by the atmosphere: 16%Continuing incoming solar radiation: 78%Reflected by clouds: 20% : Absorbed by clouds: 3%Continuing incoming solar radiation: 55%Reflected by the earth's surface: 4% : Absorbed by the earth's surface (lands and oceans): 51%
The solar radiation can be divided into many parts. The UV radiation part of it helps to form the ozone.
The Earth's surface absorbs the largest portion of incoming solar radiation. This absorption heats the surface, causing it to emit infrared radiation back into the atmosphere.
Incoming Solar Radiation
insolation
The ozone layer absorbs a portion of the incoming solar radiation, particularly harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. By filtering out UV radiation, the ozone layer helps protect living organisms on Earth from skin cancer, cataracts, and other harmful effects of UV exposure.
Insolation is a measurement of the solar radiation received by a surface over a unit time. It is an abbreviation for "incoming solar radiation."the amount of sunlight that reaches a planet.
The strongest is in the tropics, where the sunlight is nearly perpendicular to the surface and about the same duration year-round.
incident ray i think
The balance between incoming and outgoing energy is called radiation balance.