Earth’s MotionInfluence on EnergyGEO 155 1st Edition Lecture 3 Outline of Last Lecture I. Composition and Structure of the AtmosphereOutline of Current Lecture II. Earth’s MotionIII. Influence on EnergyCurrent LectureEarth-Sun RelationshipEarth’s Motion Rotates every 24 hours Tilted on its axis 23.5 degrees Revolves around the sun every 365.25 days Not in a perfect circle Not the cause of seasonso Remains in the Plane of the Ecliptic (tilts 23.5 degrees from the plane)o Axis remain parallel to itself as it revolves and rotatesInfluence on Energy1. Overhead position of sun (solar altitude)a. Beam spreading – amount of energy per unit area; higher in sky, more amount spread2. Day length – more energy as you get higher and the longer the sun is outI. June 20, 21 “Summer Solstice” – the North Pole is leaning toward the sun; The Earth on its axial tilt leans 23.5 degrees toward the sun and the sun is position 23.5 degrees north of the equator at the Tropic of Cancer.- North Pole receives 24 hours of sunlight- Arctic Circle receives 12-24 hours of sunlight- Tropic of Cancer receives 12-24 hours of sunlightThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.- Equator receives 12 hours of sunlight- Tropic of Capricorn receives 0-12 hours of sunlight- Antarctic Circle receives 0-12 hours of sunlight- South Pole receives 0 hours of sunlightII. December 21,22 “Winter Solstice” – the South Pole is tilted toward the sun; thus, the Southern Hemisphere is drowned in sunlight because the sun is position 23.5 degrees south of the equator at the Tropic of Capricorn.- North Pole receives 0 hours of sunlight- Arctic Circle receives 0-12 hours of sunlight- Tropic of Cancer receives 0-12 hours of sunlight- Equator receives 12 hours of sunlight- Tropic of Capricorn receives 12-24 hours of sunlight- Antarctic Circle receives 12-24 hours of sunlight- South Pole receives 24 hours of sunlightIII. Equinox – 12 hours of daylight, 12 hours without lighta. March 20,21 – Vernal or Springb. September 22,23 – Autumnal or Fall Winter – days are shorter, sun is lower, less energy Summer – days are longer, sun is higher, more energyo Seasonal differences increase with latitude in both directions from the equator Latitudinal differences are greater in the
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