Assignment: Atmospheric Circulation
Purpose:
• Develop a qualitative understanding for the effects of the tilt of Earth's rotation axis on the length of days and solar radiation received throughout the year
Part 1:
This view always shows the sun-lit side of Earth. Look on a world map(s) with longitude and latitude lines to identify the location of the poles and the trace the equator relative to the continents in this view.
Three month steps through June 21, 2005 are shown below. Note the distribution of solar energy throughout the year, including the below points:
o What parts are illuminated and which aren't?
o What latitude with some representative geographic location is directly below the sun?
o Where is the equator on the views at the equinoxes and the solstices?
Sept. 21, 2004
Dec. 21, 2004
Mar. 21, 2005
June 21, 2005
Part 2:
Now look down from above the North Pole on December 21, 2004. The North Pole should be in the center of the circle. Find Iceland on the view. Draw a circle centered on the North Pole. This circle represents Iceland's path during one day. Determine the approximate fraction of the day that Iceland has daylight. Express that in hours.
Do the same for Mar. 21, 2005
Do the same for June 21, 2005
Do the same for Sept. 21, 2005
Do the same for Dec. 21, 2005
Part 3:
Write a brief report giving your observations and your conclusions on how the amount of solar radiation impacts atmospheric heating differences around Earth and through the seasons.
Attachment:- reference.rar