Solar Energy Influence on Earth

EQ: How does Solar Energy Influence Earth?

• Conduction: Transfer of Heat through CONTACT (eg: Pots on a stove)

• Convection: Heat rises, cold sinks

• Radiation: Transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves (eg: sitting around a campfire)

Question: How is Thermal Energy Transfered?

Multiple Choice

Which method of energy transfer creates wind?

• Conduction

• Convection

• Radiation

Land has a lower heat capacity than water, so water heats up more slowly.

As the warmer air rises over land and sinks over water, it creates a pressure differential allowing diffusion to take place (air particles move from higher concentration to a lower concentration). This is ONE BIG CONVECTION CURRENT!!!

Basically: Hot air rises over land, making a spot for cooler air over water to move in. Cooler air over water sinks, making a spot for hotter air over land to move in.

Question: How Does Wind Work?

Summary: How does solar energy create climate and weather patterns?