Note: Please refer to the GETTING STARTED lab module to learn tips on how to set up and maneuver through the Google Earth () component of this lab.

KEY TERMS

The following is a list of important words and concepts used in this lab module:

Adiabatic processes

Frontal uplift

Physical states of water

Cirrus clouds

Hydrologic cycle

Relative humidity

Condensation level

Maximum humidity

Specific humidity

Convectional uplift

Orographic uplift

Stratus clouds

Cumulus clouds

Precipitation

Wet (and dry) bulb temperature

LAB LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After successfully completing this module, you should be able to:

● Describe and explain the hydrologic cycle

● Identify different cloud types

● Explain the adiabatic process

● Compare and contrast different uplift mechanisms

● Compare and contrast different types of humidity

● Explain how precipitation occurs

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INTRODUCTION

In this lab module you will examine some fundamental concepts and principles related to atmospheric moisture. Topics include physical states of water, humidity, adiabatic processes, cloud classification and precipitation. While these topics may appear to be disparate, you will learn how they are inherently related.

The modules start with four opening topics, or vignettes, which are found in the accompanying Google Earth file. These vignettes introduce basic concepts related to atmospheric moisture. Some of the vignettes have animations, videos, or short articles that will provide another perspective or visual explanation for the topic at hand. After reading the vignette and associated links, answer the following questions. Please note that some components of this lab may take a while to download or open, especially if you have a slow internet connection.

Expand the ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE folder and then expand the INTRODUCTION folder.

Read Topic 1: The Physical States of Water.

Question 1: Explain how this statement is false: Heat is temperature.

A. Temperature is energy, while heat is a measure of temperature

B. Heat is energy, while temperature is a measure of heat

C. Heat is energy, while temperature is the transfer of energy from one state to another

D. Temperature is energy, while heat is the transfer of energy from one state to another

Question 2: Is evaporation the absorption or release of latent heat?

A. Absorption

B. Release

C. Both

D. Neither

Read Topic 2: The Hydrologic Cycle

Question 3: According to the video, what is the common length of storage time for most atmospheric water (rainfall, snowfall) that fall onto land?

A. Only a few hours

B. Several days

C. Weeks or more

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D. It is unknown

Read Topic 3: Atmospheric Humidity

Question 4: How can you have a specific humidity that is low in the high latitudes of the northern hemisphere (as shown by the prominence of blue in first video) and yet have a high relative humidity (as shown by the prominence of red in the second video)?

A. Function of temperature – low temps have a low specific humidity but a low maximum humidity and thereby high relative humidity

B. Function of location – high altitudes (near the poles) have more humidity than low altitudes (near the Equator) and thereby high relative humidity

C. Function of climate – low temperatures have low specific humidity but a high maximum humidity and thereby a high relative humidity

D. Function of humidity – the specific humidity is high and therefore the relatively humidity must also be high

Read Topic 4: Human Interaction

Question 5: What is the primary coarse aerosol in the Atlantic Ocean, between Africa and South America? (Hint: Look to where the potential origin lies and what is found in that location)

A. Sea salts from the Indian Ocean

B. Smoke from fires in Africa

C. Nitrates from coastal populations

D. Dust (sand) from the Sahara Desert

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

In this module you will learn about factors influencing precipitation and that precipitation varies spatially and temporally. This section will introduce you to some of these patterns.

Expand GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE and then select June Precipitation.

This map shows total precipitation for the month of June 2011. Precipitation is the condensation of atmospheric water vapor into various forms of water, including rain, sleet, snow, and hail. The amount of precipitation for any given area is measured in millimeters (mm).

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Double-click and select Location A.

Question 6: What is the approximate latitude and longitude (degrees only) for this location?

A. 28 N 82 W

B. 28 S 82 E

C. 28 N 82 E

D. 29 S 82 W

Question 7: Estimate the precipitation for this location.

A. Approximately 1 mm

B. Approximately 100 mm

C. Approximately 200 mm

D. Approximately 2000 mm

Double-click and select Location B.

Question 8: What is the approximate latitude and longitude (degrees only) for this location?

A. 28 N 114 E

B. 28 N 114 W

C. 28 S 114 W

D. 28 S 114 E

Question 9: Estimate the precipitation for this location.

A. Approximately 1 mm

B. Approximately 100 mm

C. Approximately 200 mm

D. Approximately 2000 mm

Question 10: Does latitude play a prominent role in precipitation differences in these two examples in June?

A. Yes, latitude is a main reason for precipitation differences between Locations A and B

B. No, there are other geographic factors that account for the differences between Locations A and B

Select December Precipitation, and then double-click again on Location A.

Question 11: Estimate the precipitation for Location A.

A. Approximately 1 mm

B. Approximately 10 mm

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C. Approximately 200 mm

D. Approximately 2000 mm

Question 12: Does Location A have both a wet season and a dry season?

A. Very likely – there is more precipitation in winter than summer

B. Very likely – there is more precipitation in summer than winter

C. Not likely – there seems to be only a wet season (above 60mm) year-round

D. Not likely – there seems to be only a dry season (below 60 mm) year-round

Double-click and select Location C.

Question 13: What is the latitude (degrees only) for this location?

A. 4 N 114 E

B. 4 S 114 W

C. 4 N 114 W

D. 4 S 114 E

Toggle between June Precipitation and December Precipitation.

Question 14: Does Location C have both a wet season and a dry season?

A. Very likely – there is more precipitation in winter than summer

B. Very likely – there is more precipitation in summer than winter

C. Not likely – there seems to be only a wet season (above 60mm) year-round

D. Not likely – there seems to be only a dry season (below 60 mm) year-round

Question 15: Does latitude play a prominent role in precipitation? (Hint: look at the overall precipitation trend across the Earth at this approximate latitude)

A. Yes, latitude is a main reason for the precipitation pattern of Location C

B. No, there are other geographic factors that account for the precipitation at Locations C

Collapse and uncheck GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE.

HUMIDITY

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We learned from Topic 3 in the Introduction section the three types of humidity: maximum, specific and relative humidity. When we speak colloquially about humidity, we are usually referring to relative humidity. For example, on some hot summer days, the air may feel sticky and we say the (relative) humidity is high. Conversely, on cold winter days, the air may feel dry and we say the (relative) humidity is low.

We can use a simple device called sling psychrometer to measure the dry bulb temperature and the wet bulb temperature. The dry bulb temperature is the ambient air temperature, and is measured using a regular thermometer. The wet bulb temperature, however, is the temperature measured by covering the end of a thermometer in a wet cotton sleeve and then whirling it around to evaporate some water from the sleeve. Since evaporation is a cooling process, the wet bulb thermometer will record a lower reading than the dry bulb thermometer as long as the surrounding air is not saturated. By comparing the temperature between the two thermometer readings, and then looking up the values in Table 1, we can determine (sometimes by way of interpolation) the relative humidity.

For example:

1. Assume that the dry bulb temperature is 26°C, and the wet bulb temperature is 16°C.

2. With these two temperatures, use the following formula to calculate the wet bulb depression by subtracting the wet bulb temperature from the dry bulb temperature: 26°C – 16°C = 10°C

3. Refer to Table 1 to determine the relative humidity; in this case, the relative humidity (RH) is 34 percent (34%).

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Table 1. Table 1. Relative Humidity, Wet-Dry Bulb Method (Source: Adapted from the NOAA Relative Humidity and Dew Point table).

Expand the HUMIDITY folder.

Watch the videos under HUMIDITY and in conjunction with Table 1, determine the relative humidity for the following locations.

Click Mariposa Grove and record the wet and dry bulb temperatures.

Question 16: What is the relative humidity at Mariposa Grove?

Dry Bulb (˚C)

Wet Bulb (˚C)

Wet Bulb Depression (Dry-Wet), (˚C)

Relative Humidity (%)

Note to Editor: Use drop-down choices for each box. Choices as follows:

List of potential answers for Dry Bulb: 23.5°C, 16.5°C, 20°C, 27°C,

List of potential answers for Wet Bulb: 19°C, 19.5°C, 10°C, 15°C,

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List of potential answers for Wet Bulb Depression: 10°C, 8°C, 4°C, 1.5°C

List of potential answers for Wet Bulb Depression: 24%, 19%, 27%, 20%

Click California Central Valley and record the wet and dry bulb temperatures.

Question 17: What is the relative humidity just outside of Fresno?

Dry Bulb (˚C)

Wet Bulb (˚C)

Wet Bulb Depression (Dry-Wet), (˚C)

Relative Humidity (%)

Note to Editor: Use drop-down choices for each box. Choices as follows:

List of potential answers for Dry Bulb: 23.5°C, 16.5°C, 20°C, 27°C

List of potential answers for Wet Bulb: 19°C, 19.5°C, 10°C, 15°C

List of potential answers for Wet Bulb Depression: 10°C, 8°C, 4°C, 1.5°C

List of potential answers for Wet Bulb Depression: 46%, 42%, 53%, 45%

Click Redwood Forest and record the wet and dry bulb temperatures.

Question 18: What is the relative humidity in the redwood forest?

Dry Bulb (˚C)

Wet Bulb (˚C)

Wet Bulb Depression (Dry-Wet), (˚C)

Relative Humidity (%)

Note to Editor: Use drop-down choices for each box. Choices as follows:

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List of potential answers for Dry Bulb: 23.5°C, 16.5°C, 20°C, 27°C

List of potential answers for Wet Bulb: 19°C, 19.5°C, 10°C, 15°C

List of potential answers for Wet Bulb Depression: 10°C, 8°C, 4°C, 1.5°C

List of potential answers for Wet Bulb Depression: 60.5%, 68%, 68.75%, 69.5%,

Click Monterey Bay, CA and record the wet and dry bulb temperatures.

Question 19: What is the relative humidity at the beach at Monterey Bay?

Dry Bulb (˚C)

Wet Bulb (˚C)

Wet Bulb Depression (Dry-Wet), (˚C)

Relative Humidity (%)

Note to Editor: Use drop-down choices for each box. Choices as follows:

List of potential answers for Dry Bulb: 23.5°C, 16.5°C, 20°C, 27°C, 15°C

List of potential answers for Dry Bulb: 19°C, 19.5°C, 10°C, 15°C, 27°C

List of potential answers for Wet Bulb Depression: 10°C, 8°C, 5.5°C, 4°C, 1.5°C

List of potential answers for Wet Bulb Depression: 80%, 81.75%, 84.5%, 85.25%, 91%

Collapse and uncheck HUMIDITY.

ADIABATIC PROCESS

As a parcel of air (also known as a thermal) rises, the pressure decreases (the parcel expands) and it cools. This process is known as adiabatic cooling.

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Conversely, as a parcel of air descends, its pressure increases (the parcel compresses) and it warms. This process is known as adiabatic warming. These changes in temperature are a result of changes in pressure within the air parcel itself, with an expanding parcel promoting a decrease in temperature (cooling) and a compressing air parcel promoting an increase in temperature (warming).

When the relative humidity (RH) of a rising parcel of air is less than 100% (meaning it is not saturated), the parcel cools at the dry adiabatic rate (DAR), which is approximately 1°C/100m. Likewise, a descending air parcel that is not saturated warms at the same DAR.

For example, imagine a rising parcel of air with a temperature of 15˚C and an RH of 60%. If the parcel rises 400 meters in elevation, its temperature will be 11˚C. In other words, the air parcel cools 1˚C for every 100m increase in elevation, thereby cooling 4˚C.

Thing are different, however, if the RH of an air parcel is 100% (i.e. the air parcel is saturated). When the RH is 100%, the air parcel cools at the wet adiabatic rate (WAR), which is approximately 0.5°C/100m. The WAR is not as great as the DAR because latent heat of condensation (the energy when water vapor condenses to a liquid) is released.

For example, the temperature of a rising saturated parcel of air is 18°C. If this parcel continues to rise another 1000 meters in elevation, its temperature will be 13°C. In other words, the air parcel cools 0.5˚C for every 100m increase in elevation, thereby cooling 5˚C.

Click ADIABATIC PROCESSES to watch the video.

For the following questions, use the following air parcel conditions:

An unsaturated parcel of air with a temperature of 20˚C rises 1200m to the condensation level and then continues to rise saturated for another 600m.

Question 20: What is the temperature of the parcel when it becomes saturated?

A. 32˚C

B. 8˚C

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C. 5˚C

D. 14˚C

Question 21: What is the temperature of the parcel when it stops rising?

A. 32˚C

B. 8˚C

C. 5˚C

D. 14˚C

The unsaturated air parcel then descends 1800m back to its original elevation.

Question 22: What is the temperature of the parcel once it has descended to its original elevation?

A. 40˚C

B. 23˚C

C. 14˚C

D. 20˚C

Question 23: When the air parcel completes its decent at its original elevation, how does this ending temperature compare to the starting temperature?

A. Warmer

B. Cooler

C. Same

D. Variable (warmer or cooler)

Uncheck ADIABATIC PROCESSES.

CLOUD CLASSIFICATION

Scientists classify clouds according to their form and altitude. There are three cloud classes based on form: cirrus, cumulus and stratus.

● Cirrus clouds are wispy, thin clouds comprised of ice crystals.

● Cumulus clouds have distinct puffy shapes with flat bases formed at the condensation level.

● Stratus clouds are gray sheet like clouds covering most of the sky.

Clouds are further classified according to their altitude.

● High clouds are found over 6km (20,000 ft.) in the atmosphere

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● Middle clouds are between 2.5km and 6km (6,500 ft. to 20,000 ft.).

● Low clouds are those less than 2.5km.

Click CLOUD CLASSIFICATION.

Use the animation to identify characteristics of cloud types and to complete the table below. The first one has been done for you as an example

Cloud type

Form

(choose from wispy, puffy, patchy, or sheet)

Altitude

(choose from high, middle or low)

Rain

(choose yes or no)

Altostratus

Sheet

Middle

No

24. Altocumulus

25. Cirrocumulus

26. Cirrus

27. Cumulonimbus

28. Cumulus

29. Stratocumulus

30. Stratus

Note to Editor: Q24-Q30 above should be drop-down choices for each box. Choices are located under Form, Altitude, and Rain

Uncheck CLOUD CLASSIFICATION.

PRECIPITATION PROCESSES

Introduction

When water vapor in the air is cooled to its saturation point, water droplets or ice crystals form. Once the water droplets or ice crystals become large enough to fall under the force of gravity, precipitation occurs. In order for this occur, air must rise such that sufficient condensation takes place. This required lifting of an air parcel commonly happens in one of many ways, including convectional uplift, orographic uplift, frontal uplift, and convergent (cyclonic) uplift. We will cover the first two in this module as they showcase the processes associated with adiabatic cooling. To note, geography plays an important role in precipitation (or lack thereof), as certain geographic areas are more inclined to produce a particular type of uplift.

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Convectional uplift

Convectional uplift occurs when a parcel of air within a larger stable air mass is heated by the hot ground and rises. When this parcel rises above the condensation level, cumulus clouds tend to form. In many cases these clouds will drift along with the wind and eventually dissipate, producing no rain. But in some cases the air is unstable and strong convectional uplift occurs. Cumulonimbus clouds often form, producing rainfall and in more severe cases, thunderstorms develop. While convectional uplift and associated precipitation can occur almost anywhere over land, there are certain places where this uplift is more common. For example, the Great Plains region in the United States commonly experiences this type of uplift during the summer months, which produces rainstorms in the afternoon. Equatorial regions where solar insolation is intense are subjected to precipitation from conventional uplift.

Click Convectional Rainfall and watch the video.

Question 31: True or False: Convectional uplift goes through the process of adiabatic cooling.

A. True

B. False

Orographic uplift

Orographic uplift is caused by mountains which force an air parcel upwards as the air flows. As the parcel rises, the air pressure decreases, causing the parcel to expand and the air temperature to decrease. When the parcel reaches the condensation level, clouds form, and in some cases, precipitation occurs. After the parcel has cleared the mountains, it descends and the air is compressed, leading to an increase in temperature. This drier, warmer parcel creates a rainshadow on the leeward side of mountain ranges. This type of rainfall is common along the mountain ranges near the Pacific Ocean as well as oceanic islands such as Hawai’i and New Zealand.

Click Orographic Processes and watch the video on Orographic Uplift. After watching the video, explain the following scenarios:

Question

Initial (Start) Temperatur

Final (End)

Temperature

Did it Rain?

(yes or no)

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e

32. Scenario 2

33. Scenario 7

34. Scenario 9

Question 35: How does a rain event change the final temperature from the initial temperature?

A. Increases

B. Decreases

C. Stays the same

D. Variable (increases or decreases)

Question 36: Does is rain on the windward or leeward side?

A. Windward

B. Leeward

Question 37: What is the relative humidity when it rains?

A. 0 percent

B. 50 percent

C. 100 percent

D. Variable

Double-click and select Location D.

Question 38: This location is on the ________ of the Cascade Mountains.

A. Windward side

B. Leeward side

C. Convergent side

D. Frontal side

Double-click and select Location E.

Question 39: What is another name for the dry area found around Location E?

A. Windward

B. Rainshadow

C. Orographic

D. Convective

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Double-click and select Location F.

Question 40: What type of adiabatic uplift would lead to precipitation at Location F?

A. Divergent

B. Frontal

C. Orographic

D. Convectional

Collapse and uncheck the PRECIPITATION PROCESSES folder. You have completed Lab Module 7.

LAB MODULE 4: GLOBAL ENERGY

Note: Please refer to the GETTING STARTED lab module to learn tips on how to set up and maneuver through the Google Earth () component of this lab.

KEY TERMS

The following is a list of important words and concepts used in this lab module:

Albedo

Energy deficit

Longwave radiation

Conduction

Energy surplus

Net radiation (net flux)

Convection

Global energy budget

Radiation

Constant gases

Heat

Radiation budget

Electromagnetic radiation

Heat transfer

Shortwave radiation

Electromagnetic spectrum

Incoming and outgoing radiation

Solar constant

Electromagnetic waves

Insolation

Solar radiation

Energy

Irradiance

Variable gases

LAB MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After successfully completing this module, you should be able to:

œ Recognize aspects of the electromagnetic spectrum

œ Distinguish between shortwave and longwave radiation and its sources

œ Describe the composition of the atmosphere

œ Explain how heat is transferred and measured

œ Define and identify patterns of global solar insolation and albedo

œ Describe the flow of solar radiation

œ Describe the spatial patterns of net radiation

œ Provide examples of human interactions and uses with sunlight (solar radiation)

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INTRODUCTION

In this lab module you will examine some of the fundamental concepts and principles related to global energy. Topics include the electromagnetic spectrum, the composition of the atmosphere, solar radiation, the movement of radiation in the atmosphere, albedo and the global energy budget. While these topics may seem disparate, you will learn how they are inherently related.

The module starts with four opening topics, or vignettes, which are found in the accompanying Google Earth file. These vignettes introduce basic concepts related to global energy. Some of the vignettes have animations, videos, or short articles that provide another perspective or visual explanation for the topic at hand. After reading each vignette and associated links, answer the following questions. Please note that some components of this lab may take a while to download or open, especially if you have a slow internet connection.

Expand GLOBAL ENERGY and then expand the INTRODUCTION folder.

Read Topic 1: Electromagnetic Radiation.

Question 1: Which electromagnetic waves have the most energy?

A. Radio waves

B. Microwaves

C. X-rays

D. Gamma rays

Question 2: How is Earthfs radiation budget described in the video?

A. The difference between sunlight that comes into the Earth, minus the amount of sunlight that is reflected by, and energy emitted from, the Earth

B. The difference between sunlight that is reflected by Earth, minus the energy emitted, plus the sunlight coming into the Earth

C. The difference between energy emitted by the Earth, minus the sunlight coming into the Earth, minus the sunlight reflected by the Earth

D. The difference between energy emitted by the Earth, minus the sunlight coming into the Earth, plus the sunlight reflected by the Earth

Read Topic 2: Atmospheric Composition.

Question 3: What are the three ingredients needed for an ozone hole?

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A. Warm temperatures, sunlight, and high levels of smog

B. Cold temperatures, darkness, and high levels of smog

C. High level of chlorine and bromine, warm temperatures, and sunlight

D. High level of chlorine and bromine, cold temperatures, and sunlight

Read Topic 3: Transfer of Heat Energy.

Question 4: Which of the following is not true regarding the transfer of heat energy?

A. Air conducts heat effectively

B. Dark-colored objects absorb more radiant energy than light-colored objects

C. Convection is the transfer of heat energy in the atmosphere

D. Sunlight is a form of radiation

Question 5: Of these means of transferring heat, which tend directly produce weather systems?

A. Radiation

B. Conduction

C. Convection

D. None of these

Read Topic 4: Human Interaction.

Question 6: From the article, all of the following are recognized disadvantages of generating electricity from solar power except?

A. The amount of pollution generated

B. Cost

C. Daylight hours for operation

D. Locations with low available sunlight

Question 7: From the map in the article, what area of the United States shows the highest annual average daily solar radiation per month (measured in kWh/m2/day)?

A. Northeastern United States

B. Southeastern United States

C. Southwestern United States

D. Northwestern United States

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For the rest of this module, you will identify and explain the geographic distribution, patterns, and processes associated with electromagnetic radiation. In doing so, you will recognize and appreciate the role of the Sun, atmosphere and the Earthfs surface as they influence the worldfs global energy budget.

Collapse and uncheck the INTRODUCTION folder.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Insolation (incoming solar radiation) is the amount of direct or diffused electromagnetic radiation the Earth receives from the Sun. Insolation can be quantified by its irradiance, which is the power . or rate of electromagnetic radiation – that strikes the surface of a given area. As power is measured in Watts (W), and area is measured in meters squared (m2), irradiance is commonly measured in Watts per meter squared (W/m2).

The Sun produces a fairly constant rate of solar radiation at the outer surface of the Earthfs atmosphere; this solar constant averages to approximately 1370 W/m2. However, the average amount of solar radiation received at any one location on the Earth is not ~1370 W/m2 . it is far less, due in part to the conditions of the atmosphere, the land cover, the given latitude, the time of day, and the time of year.

Expand the GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE folder and select Insolation in June. To close the citation, click the X in the top right corner of the window.

This map shows the average global solar insolation . or where and how much sunlight fell on the Earthfs surface – for the month of June in 2012. The legend in the top left corner shows how much sunlight fell on Earthfs surface, which ranges from a low of 0 W/m2 (purple/dark red) to a high of 550 W/m2 (white). Use this map layer to answer the following questions.

Double-click and select Location A.

Question 8: What is the approximate latitude of Location A (Oslo, Norway)?

A. 60N

B. 60S

C. 10E

D. 10W

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Question 9: Estimate the average solar insolation Location A (Oslo, Norway) received in June:

A. Near 0 W/m2

B. Near 275 W/m2

C. Near 400 W/m2

D. Near 550 W/m2

Double-click and select Location B.

Question 10: What is the latitude of Location B (Isla de los Estados, Argentina)?

A. 54N

B. 54S

C. 64E

D. 64W

Question 11: Estimate the average solar insolation Location B (Isla de los Estados, Argentina) received in June:

A. Near 0 W/m2

B. Near 275 W/m2

C. Near 400 W/m2

D. Near 550 W/m2

Question 12: Which location received greater average solar insolation in June . Location A or Location B? Explain why.

A. Location B, because it is closer to the equator

B. Location A because it receives more daylight hours in June

C. Location B because itfs a darker orange color

D. Location A because itfs farther from the subsolar point in June

Double-click and select Insolation in December. To close the citation, click the X in the top right corner of the window

This map shows the average global solar insolation received in December. The legend in the upper right corner shows how much sunlight fell on Earthfs surface, which ranges from a low of 0 W/m2 (dark red) to a high of 550 W/m2 (light yellow). Use this map layer and compare it to Insolation in June to answer the following questions.

Double-click Location A.

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Question 13: Estimate the average solar insolation Location A (Oslo, Norway) received in December:

A. Near 0 W/m2

B. Near 275 W/m2

C. Near 400 W/m2

D. Near 550 W/m2

Question 14: Which of the following explains the difference in average solar insolation at Location A (Oslo, Norway) in June and December? (Check all that apply).

A. Location A is further from subsolar point in December

B. Location A receives more daylight hours in December

C. Location A is close to the Equator (low latitude)

D. Location A is closer to the subsolar point in June

Double-click Location B.

Question 15: Estimate the average solar insolation Location B (Isla de los Estados, Argentina) received in December:

A. Near 0 W/m2

B. Near 275 W/m2

C. Near 400 W/m2

D. Near 550 W/m2

Question 16: Which of the following explains the difference in average solar insolation at Location B (Isla de los Estados, Argentina) in June and December? (Check all that apply).

A. Location B is further from subsolar point in December

B. Location B receives more daylight hours in December

C. Location B is far from the Equator (high latitude)

D. Location B is closer to the subsolar point in June

Question 17: What is the general trend of solar insolation at Location A compared to Location B in June and December?

A. Location A and B show the same trend, with insolation high in June and low in December

B. Location A and B show the same trend, with insolation high in December and low in June

C. Location A and B show opposite trends, with insolation high at one location and low at the other location

D. Location A and B show no trend in December or in June

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Uncheck Location A and Location B. Double-click and select Location C.

Question 18: What is the latitude of Location C (Yasuni National Park, Ecuador)?

A. 1N

B. 1S

C. 75W

D. 75E

Question 19: Estimate the average solar insolation that Location C (Yasuni National Park, Ecuador) received in June:

A. Near 0 W/m2

B. Near 275 W/m2

C. Near 400 W/m2

D. Near 550 W/m2

Question 20: Estimate the amount of solar insolation Location C (Yasuni National Park, Ecuador) received in December:

A. Near 0 W/m2

B. Near 275 W/m2

C. Near 400 W/m2

D. Near 550 W/m2

Question 21: Which of the following accounts for the trends in average solar insolation at Location C (Yasuni National Park, Ecuador) in June and December? (Check all that apply).

A. There is relatively minor differences in sun angle

B. There is relatively minor differences in daylight hours

C. Location C is close to the Equator (low latitude)

D. Location C is far from subsolar point in December

Question 22: Which of the following is true about how latitude and calendar date affect where and how much sunlight falls on the Earthfs surface in a given year? (Check all that apply).

A. The higher the latitude the greater the seasonal difference in daylight hours

B. Higher southern latitudes receive more daylight hours around the June solstice.

C. Higher northern latitudes receive more daylight hours around the June solstice.

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D. The lower the latitude the greater the seasonal difference in daylight hours

Collapse and uncheck GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE.

FLOW OF SOLAR RADIATION

When energy from the Sun reaches the Earthfs atmosphere, it flows along various paths, with some energy absorbed by the atmosphere, some reflected back into space and some striking the Earthfs surface. These various paths are part of the heat transfer mechanism that distributes heat across the globe. A more detailed breakdown of what happens is shown in the solar radiation animation. To note, the values shown in the animation are for the Earth as a whole.

Select and click FLOW OF SOLAR RADIATION.

Question 23: What percent of the Sunfs energy entering the Earthfs atmosphere is absorbed directly by the atmosphere?

A. 18%

B. 25%

C. 31%

D. 69%

Question 24: What percent of the Sunfs energy (shortwave radiation) entering the Earthfs atmosphere is absorbed by Earth is some way (clouds, water, Earthfs surface)?

A. 18%

B. 25%

C. 31%

D. 69%

Question 25: What accounts for the most solar radiation being reflected back into space?

A. Dust particles

B. Ozone

C. Clouds

D. Aerosols

Question 26: Why does incoming shortwave radiation equal outgoing longwave radiation? (Check all that apply).

A. To keep the Earthfs average temperature more or less constant

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B. The laws of physics require incoming and outgoing radiation to equal

C. It maintains the thickness of the atmosphere and variability in the length of day

D. Without a balanced radiation budget, the Earth will become increasingly warmer or cooler

Question 27: The values in the animation are for the Earth as a whole, however, the flow of energy is not even across the Earthfs surface. Speculate how net radiation differs at the Equator compared to the Poles. (Check all that apply).

A. Net radiation is more or less constant near the Equator, but varies at the Poles

B. Net radiation is more or less constant near the Poles, but varies at the Equator

C. During the June Solstice, net radiation is greater at the North Pole than the Equator

D. During the December Solstice, net radiation is greater at the North Pole than the Equator

Uncheck the FLOW OF SOLAR RADIATION folder.

ALBEDO

Expand the ALBEDO folder. Double-click and select Albedo in September. To close the citation, click the X in the top right corner of the window.

Albedo is the portion of solar energy (shortwave radiation) that is reflected from Earthfs surface back into space. Albedo is calculated as the relative amount (ratio) of reflected sunlight (reflected shortwave radiation) to the total amount of sunlight (incident shortwave radiation). Clouds and bright (light-colored) surfaces have higher albedo rates than dark colored surfaces like asphalt, roads and forests.

This map shows the average global albedo received in September. The legend at the top shows the proportion of sunlight reflected from Earthfs surface, which ranges from no albedo at 0.0 (dark blue) to a high albedo at 0.9 (light blues to white). Areas of no data are denoted as black or no color. Use this map layer to answer the following questions.

Double-click and select Location D; then, double-click and select Location E.

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Question 28 Is the albedo relatively high or relatively low in the boreal forests of Canada and Norway in September?

A. The albedo is relatively high in both locations

B. The albedo is relatively low in both locations

C. The albedo is high in northern Canada and low in Norway

D. The albedo is low in northern Canada and high in Norway

Double-click and select Location F.

Question 29: Is the albedo relatively high or relatively low in the Sahara Desert region of Northern Africa in September?

A. The albedo over the Sahara Desert is relatively low

B. The albedo over the Sahara Desert is relatively high

C. There is no albedo over the Sahara Desert because sand does not reflect sunlight

D. The albedo over the Sahara Desert is only very high (near 0.9) or very low (0.0)

Double-click and select Location G.

Question 30: Is the albedo relatively high or relatively low over the majority of Greenland in September?

A. The albedo over Greenland is relatively low except near the coast

B. The albedo over Greenland is relatively high except near the coast

C. There is no albedo over Greenland except near the coast

D. There is no albedo over Greenland because ice and snow do not reflect sunlight

Seasonality (time of the year) plays an important role in global albedo. Letfs compare the September albedo rates to February albedo rates of these locations.

Select and double-click Albedo in February. To close the citation, click the X in the top right corner of the window. To alternate between Albedo in September and Albedo in February, check and uncheck one of the files to see the differences in the two map overlays.

Double-click Location D; then, double-click Location E.

Question 31: For northern Canada and Norway, is the albedo in February higher or lower when compared to the albedo in September?

A. The albedo is higher in February for both locations

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B. The albedo is lower in February for both locations

C. The albedo is higher in northern Canada and lower in Norway

D. The albedo is lower in northern Canada and higher in Norway

Double-click Location F.

Question 32: For the Sahara Desert region of Northern Africa, is the albedo higher or lower in February when compared to the albedo in September?

A. The albedo is lower in February

B. The albedo is higher in February

C. The albedo is relatively the same in February and September

D. There is no albedo over the Sahara Desert because sand does not reflect sunlight

Double-click Location G.

Question 33: For Greenland, is the albedo higher or lower in February when compared to the albedo in September?

A. The albedo is lower in February

B. The albedo is higher in February

C. The albedo is relatively the same in February and September

D. There is no albedo over Greenland because ice and snow do not reflect sunlight

Collapse and uncheck the ALBEDO folder.

NET RADIATION

Net radiation, sometimes called net flux, is the difference between incoming solar radiation absorbed by the Earthfs surface and the radiation reflected back into space. In other words, net radiation is the energy available to Earth at the Earthfs surface. Some places absorb more energy than reflect, while other places on Earth reflect more energy than absorb. Factors that affect the net radiation of a place include albedo, latitude and Sun angle, atmospheric conditions (like clouds and dust), and the time of year. As a result, some areas will have a seasonal or annual energy surplus with a positive net radiation (more energy absorbed than reflected) while other areas will have a seasonal or annual energy deficit with a negative net radiation (more energy reflected than absorbed). Fortunately, the Earth has a global energy budget at approximately equilibrium, with a global net radiation at approximately zero (that is, global incoming energy equals global outgoing energy).

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Expand the NET RADIATION folder.

Double-click and select Net Radiation in January.

The legend at the top shows the global net radiation for January, which ranges from 280 W/m2 to -280 W/m2. Hence, an orange or red color indicates a greater (positive) net radiation, while a green or blue color indicates a lower (negative) net radiation.

Question 34: What global spatial patterns are apparent? (Check all that apply).

A. Net radiation is higher in the Southern Hemisphere

B. Net radiation is higher in the Northern Hemisphere

C. Net radiation is lower in the Southern Hemisphere

D. Net radiation is lower in the Northern Hemisphere

Question 35: How does the net radiation of oceans versus land differ in Northern Hemisphere compared the Southern Hemisphere in January? (Check all that apply).

A. The net radiation is relatively higher in the oceans than on land in the Northern Hemisphere

B. The net radiation is relatively lower in the oceans than on land in the Northern Hemisphere

C. The net radiation is relatively higher in the oceans than on land in the Southern Hemisphere

D. The net radiation is relatively lower in the oceans than on land in the Southern Hemisphere

Question 36: What factors contribute to the North Pole region having the highest net radiation loss in January? (Check all that apply).

A. The Sun angle is low and therefore the incoming solar radiation is low

B. The Sun angle is high and therefore outgoing solar radiation is high

C. The daylight hours are few indicating less incoming solar radiation

D. The daylight hours are few indicating less outgoing solar radiation

Double-click and select Net Radiation in July.

Question 37: What global spatial patterns are apparent? Check all that apply.

A. Net radiation is higher in the Southern Hemisphere

B. Net radiation is higher in the Northern Hemisphere

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C. Net radiation is lower in the Southern Hemisphere

D. Net radiation is lower in the Northern Hemisphere

Question 38: In general, how does the July map compare to the January map? (Check all that apply).

A. Overall, net radiation in the high latitudes is relatively high (energy surplus) where it was once low (energy deficit) and vice versa

B. Overall, there is an energy surplus at the Equator for both January and July

C. Overall, there is an energy surplus in the Northern Hemisphere in July

D. Overall, there is an energy deficit in the Northern Hemisphere in July

Question 39: What factors are contributing to Greenland showing a net radiation loss in July?

A. Because it is further north and receives less incoming solar radiation

B. Because it is surrounded by warmer ocean water

C. Because it is largely covered in ice and therefore has a high albedo

D. Because there is a low Sun angle that contributes to a low albedo

Collapse and uncheck the NET RADIATION folder. You have completed Lab Module 4.