When sunlight strikes the Earth more directly how is the earth affected?
When sunlight strikes the Earth more directly how is the earth affected?
When the sun’s rays strike Earth’s surface near the equator, the incoming solar radiation is more direct (nearly perpendicular or closer to a 90˚ angle). Therefore, the solar radiation is concentrated over a smaller surface area, causing warmer temperatures.
How does the position of the sun affect the intensity of sunlight striking Earth’s surface?
This means that the sun’s rays strike the ground more directly in June. The intensity of sunlight striking the ground depends on the sun’s angle in the sky. When the sun is at a lower angle, the same amount of energy is spread over a larger area of ground, so the ground is heated less.
What happens when sunlight strikes at a shallower angle?
When sunlight strikes the Earth’s surface at a high angle (closer to 90°) it is spread over less area than when it strikes the Earth at a shallower angle. This tilt causes the Sun’s rays to strike the northern hemisphere at a higher angle, providing more energy per square meter.
Why does direct sunlight have more energy than less direct sunlight?
So what does direct sunlight mean for us here on Earth, exactly? Direct sunlight is more concentrated heat, which tends to be warmer but also covers a smaller surface area. During the winter months, the Sun is lower in the sky and its rays strike the Earth at an oblique angle, otherwise known as indirect sunlight.
What is indirect sunlight on Earth?
Because the Earth is curved, not all rays hit it directly. Light rays that hit the earth at an angle are known as indirect rays (green area). Areas of the Earth that are hit by direct rays are warmer than areas that are hit by indirect rays. The equator (yellow) is always hit by direct rays of the sun.
What season has direct sunlight?
summer solstice
Do all countries get the same amount of sunlight?
Potentially, every part of the country receives exactly the same amount of sunlight, because the Earth rotates at a constant speed and over the year everywhere gets an average of 50% daytime and 50% nighttime.