Understanding the Impact of Solar Radiation and Eccentricity on Earth's Climate

In summary, the question is whether two areas at the same latitude, one in America and the other in Asia, will receive the same amount of solar radiation. The answer is that it will be the same, barring any climatic variations such as weather differences. However, the moisture content and presence of particulates, such as dust or sand, can affect the amount of solar radiation hitting the soil.
  • #1
QuarkDecay
47
2
I have two questions

(1) If we have two areas, for example one in America and the other on Asia, both with the same latitude φ, which one of the areas will receive more Solar Radiation? Or will it be the same?

(2)
If Earth's eccentricity graph for the past 750k years is this
http://www.michaelmandeville.com/earthchanges/gallery/Climate/eccentricity_graph.gif
based on that, the eccentricity will get increased again in the next 1000 years? And what will that mean for Earth's climate?
 
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  • #2
QuarkDecay said:
(1) If we have two areas, for example one in America and the other on Asia, both with the same latitude φ, which one of the areas will receive more Solar Radiation? Or will it be the same?
if both at the same latitude, it will be the same ... is there a reason you thought that it would possibly be otherwise ?
 
  • #3
davenn said:
if both at the same latitude, it will be the same ... is there a reason you thought that it would possibly be otherwise ?
Barring climactic variations. e.g. the Gobi desert (~42 degrees north latitude) probably gets more sunny days per year than Waverly, Iowa (~42 degrees north latitude).
 
  • #4
jbriggs444 said:
Barring climactic variations. e.g. the Gobi desert (~42 degrees north latitude) probably gets more sunny days per year than Waverly, Iowa (~42 degrees north latitude).
Solar radiation is same for both. Differences due to weather differences (rain, clouds, etc.).
 
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  • #5
mathman said:
Solar radiation is same for both. Differences due to weather differences (rain, clouds, etc.).
That depends on whether you are measuring solar radiation hitting the top of the atmosphere or solar radiation hitting the soil.
 
  • #6
Moisture content of the local atmosphere ...particulates ... dust , sand if the prevailing wind mostly comes from land areas .
 

1. What is solar radiation?

Solar radiation refers to the energy that is emitted by the sun in the form of electromagnetic waves. This includes visible light, infrared radiation, and ultraviolet radiation.

2. How does solar radiation affect the Earth?

Solar radiation is essential for life on Earth as it provides the energy needed for photosynthesis and helps regulate the Earth's climate. However, excessive exposure to certain types of solar radiation, such as UV radiation, can be harmful to living organisms.

3. What is eccentricity in relation to solar radiation?

Eccentricity refers to the shape of Earth's orbit around the sun. It is a measure of how elliptical or circular the orbit is. A higher eccentricity means that the Earth's orbit is more elongated, while a lower eccentricity indicates a more circular orbit.

4. How does eccentricity affect solar radiation on Earth?

Eccentricity plays a role in the amount of solar radiation received by Earth. When the Earth's orbit is more elliptical, there are times when it is closer to the sun (perihelion) and times when it is farther away (aphelion). This can result in variations in the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface.

5. How does solar radiation and eccentricity contribute to climate change?

Solar radiation and eccentricity are both factors that can contribute to changes in the Earth's climate. Variations in solar radiation, such as changes in the sun's output or changes in the Earth's orbit, can impact the amount of energy received by the Earth. These changes can lead to fluctuations in global temperatures and weather patterns. However, other factors such as greenhouse gas emissions also play a significant role in climate change.

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