Lesson 12 Insolation Hess, McKnight’s Physical Geography, 10 ed. pp. 70, 80-84, and Fig. 4.17 on p. 78.

Lesson 12Insolation

Hess, McKnight’s Physical Geography, 10 ed. pp. 70, 80-84, and Fig. 4.17 on p. 78

Insolation

From lesson 11 we now know that the sun’s direct rays strike the earth at different locations throughout the year.

These differences give us our seasons and influence the amount of average daily insolation (incoming solar radiation)◦ Average daily insolation is the rate or intensity of the

sun’s radiation that strikes the surface over a 24-hour period Measured in watts per square meter (W· m-2) The average insolation hitting the Earth’s upper

atmosphere is ~1372 W· m-2. This is known as the solar constant

Insolation, cont.

However, the amount of insolation hitting the surface of the Earth varies widely due to three factors:1. The angle of incidence2. The length of day3. Atmospheric obstructions

We will discuss each of these next…

Angle of Incidence

Angle of incidence: the angle at which the Sun’s rays strike the surface of the Earth (solar altitude)◦ This can be directly related to the intensity of radiation that

reaches the surface.Areas that have a high angle of incidence have a

given amount of radiation concentrated on a small area◦ Therefore, radiation is higher in intensity

While areas with a low angle of incidence have that same amount of radiation concentrated on a larger area◦ Lower intensity radiation

Angle of Incidence, cont.

Angle of Incidence, cont.

Length of Day

We all know that the length of daylight influences how much solar radiation is received (e.g. longer days generally mean warmer days)

Even if it is cloudy, longer days generally mean a significant increase in solar radiation received

Take a look at Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 on pages 58 and 59. These provide the hours of daylight and daily insolation, respectively, for location at the equator, 45° N and 90 N°.

Atmospheric Obstruction

The amount of atmosphere that radiation has to travel through affects the total amount of radiation received.◦ e.g. If the angle of incidence is low, then solar radiation

has to travel through more atmosphere, thereby reducing the amount received when it finally reaches the surface

Water droplets (clouds) and other atmospheric particulates also affect the amount received.

The percentage of solar radiation reaching Earth’s surface through the atmosphere is listed in Fig. 5