ESS55
Prof. Jin-Yi Yu
Seasonal and Latitudinal Variations
qThe amount of energy absorbed and emitted by Earth changes geographically and seasonally.
qSeasonal variations: the angle of inclination is responsible for the seasonal variation in the amount of solar energy distributed at the top of the atmosphere.
qLatitudinal variations: the variations of solar energy in latitude is caused by changes in:
q    (a) the angle the sun hits Earth’s surface = solar zenith angle
q    (b) the number of day light hours
q    (c) albedo