The Earth's energy balance

True or False. Almost all life on Earth and all processes depend on energy from the Sun.

• True

• False

What does the term insolation describe?

• It refers to energy given off by Earth's surface

• The amount of solar radiation reaching a given area.

True or False. Insolation is EVENLY distributed across the surface of the Earth.

• True

• False

True or False. More insolation reaches the tropical regions in comparison to the polar regions.

• True

• False

From the list below, choose the correct options for the following question. What are some of the reasons for the temperature being colder near the polar regions?

• The energy received by the sun is spread over a larger area.

• Factors such as the presence of Ice and Snow, have little effect on the amount of insolation received.

• The Suns rays have to travel through a thicker atmospheric layer and energy is lost through absorption, reflection and scattering

True or False. The Earth lies on an imaginary axis that is at a tilt of 23.5 degrees from the perpendicular.

• True

• False

What from the list below, is not one of the causes of the change in seasons.

• Revolution

• Rotation

• Insolation and terrestrial radiation

• Sphericity

• Tilt

What can be described as an equinox?

• It can be described as a geographical event that occurs when the Sun is directly overhead the equator and ALL places on the Earth have a 12 hour day and a 12 hour night .

• It can be described as a geographical event that occurs when the Sun is directly overhead the equator and SOME places on the Earth have a 12 hour day and a 12 hour night

True or False. During winter, a Solstice causes shorter days and longer nights.

• True

• False