How do seasons affect solar radiation?

Generally, the higher the latitude, the greater the range (difference between maximum and minimum) in solar radiation received over the year and the greater the difference from season to season.

In which months solar radiation is maximum?

The maximum incoming solar radiation flux which occurs between 13:00 – 14:00 LT and varies in the course of the year from 639.5 ± 171.6 Wm ⁻² (with large fluctuations) in the wet months (March – October) to 700.7 ± 105.2 Wm ⁻² in the dry months (November – February).

What is incoming solar radiation called?

Input is received in the form of short-wave solar energy. This is called insolation. Insolation is solar radiation received in the Earth’s atmosphere or at its surface.

What are the 4 main effects of solar radiation on Earth?

Solar Radiation at the Earth’s Surface

• atmospheric effects, including absorption and scattering;
• local variations in the atmosphere, such as water vapour, clouds, and pollution;
• latitude of the location; and.
• the season of the year and the time of day.

Where is the most solar radiation absorbed on Earth?

the atmosphere
The Earth absorbs most of the energy reaching its surface, a small fraction is reflected. In total approximately 70% of incoming radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere and the Earth’s surface while around 30% is reflected back to space and does not heat the surface.

What are 4 types of radiation from the Sun?

All of the energy from the Sun that reaches the Earth arrives as solar radiation, part of a large collection of energy called the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. Solar radiation includes visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared, radio waves, X-rays, and gamma rays. Radiation is one way to transfer heat.

Is there solar radiation at night?

At night, no appreciable solar radiation is received (on the dark side), so there is no appreciable reflection of short-wave radiation. At night the losses through long wave radiation are much the same as during the day.

Where is solar radiation the strongest?

The sun’s rays are strongest at the equator where the sun is most directly overhead and where UV rays must travel the shortest distance through the atmosphere.

Is solar radiation harmful for humans?

Excessive exposure to the sun is known to be associated with increased risks of various skin cancers, cataracts and other eye diseases, as well as accelerated skin ageing. It may also adversely affect people’s ability to resist infectious diseases, and compromise the effectiveness of vaccination programmes.