GEOG 2050 : Exam 2 Notes GEO 2050
Document Summary
Key concepts: transmission, scattering, diffusion, refraction, mirage, reflection, albedo, absorption, rayleigh scattering. Solar radiation varies: output from sun, distance from earth and sun, daily, seasonally, latitudes. The conversion of energy from one form to another. Heats the earths atmosphere: reflect- insolation (light) is bounced off a surface without being absorbed or scattered, refraction- change in speed and direction of light. Scattering (diffuse radiation: occurs when insolation is not absorbed, but is bounced in all directions. Scatter agents- dust, pollutants, ice, cloud droplets, and water vapor. Diffuse radiation- the downward component of scattered light, Transmission: passage of energy through atmosphere or water. Insolation at earths surface: insolation input- all radiation received at earths surface direct and indirect. Rayleigh scattering: short wavelengths greater scattering, violet to blue, smaller molecules, longer wavelengths, orange to red, larger molecules. At noon the blue light (shorter wave lengths) most readily scattered.
