Variation of EM radiation(Sun) in different latitudes

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the variation of electromagnetic (EM) radiation received from the Sun at different latitudes, specifically questioning whether this variation applies uniformly across all types of EM radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV), visible light, and infrared (IR), or if it is specific to certain types. The conversation explores factors influencing radiation reception, including atmospheric thickness and angle of incidence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the variation in EM radiation at different latitudes is consistent across all types of radiation or specific to certain types like UV or IR.
  • Another participant notes that the angle of sunlight varies with latitude, affecting the amount of radiation received.
  • It is suggested that the angle of incidence is more perpendicular at the equator compared to higher latitudes, which may influence radiation penetration.
  • A participant proposes a hypothetical scenario where the thickness of the atmosphere does not vary with latitude and illustrates how this affects the amount of atmosphere rays must pass through at different latitudes.
  • There is a mention of longer wavelengths penetrating the atmosphere more effectively and a question about whether a thicker atmosphere leads to more scattering or absorption of radiation.
  • One participant states that a thicker atmosphere provides more opportunities for scattering and absorption of EM radiation.
  • A reference to an article on insolation is provided for additional context and detail.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints regarding the effects of latitude on EM radiation, with no consensus reached on whether the variation is uniform across all types of radiation or specific to certain types. The discussion includes multiple competing perspectives on the role of atmospheric thickness and angle of incidence.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss assumptions regarding atmospheric thickness and its potential variability with latitude, as well as the complexities of scattering and absorption without resolving these aspects.

thorium1010
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So we know that there is variation of EM radiation in different latitudes we receive from Sun. My question is, it same through all EM radiation like uv rays, visible spectrum , IR spectrum or specific to only to one type of radiation like only uv or IR rays? i.e. higher latitude, there is less uv or it is same through all EM radiation we receive ?
 
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You'll have noticed that the angle to the Sun, at the same time of day, also varies with latitude :)
The amount of radiation received depends on the distance to the source and the amount (and type) of intervening material. Relate that to your question ;)
 
Simon Bridge said:
You'll have noticed that the angle to the Sun, at the same time of day, also varies with latitude :)
The amount of radiation received depends on the distance to the source and the amount (and type) of intervening material. Relate that to your question ;)

So angle, meaning it is more perpendicular at the equator than higher latitudes ? Also longer the wavelength the more it penetrates the atmosphere.

So thickness of the atmosphere varies with latitude ?
 
Lets say the thickness of the atmosphere does not vary with latitude ... draw a circle representing the Earth, and draw another circle around it representing an exaggerated atmosphere thickness ... now draw the rays illuminating this Earth from one side (from a Sun somewhere down the other end of the room) ... observe how much atmosphere must the rays pass through at each latitude in order to reach the ground.

Note: the long-wavelength thing is to do with scattering ... do you generally see a redder sky in the arctic/antactic regeons?
 
what about angle at which the radiation when hits our atmosphere ? Does it play a role in difference in the amount that reaches surface?

Does thicker atmosphere mean more scattering or absorption ?
 
The angle affects how much atmosphere a ray has to pass through to reach the surface.

A thicker atmosphere means there is more opportunity to scatter and to be absorbed.
EM radiation reduces exponentially with distance through "stuff" while charged particles have a pretty-much fixed stopping distance depending on density of the stuff, as well as the momentum and charge of the particle.
 
Thanks Simon and Jim.
 

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