B)Explain why the amount of solar radiation absorbed by the earth's surface varies from place to place and from time to time.

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Nyika Suttie

A)Define the terms insolation and albedo.

Insolation is a combination of the phrase 'Incoming Solar Radiation'. It is the name for all energy which comes from the sun to the earth. The sun does not give out heat, but energy which is converted to heat when it reaches the earth.

The albedo of an object is the measurement of how reflective it is against the sun. Snow will have a high albedo as is it is white and therefore a colour which reflects the sun's rays. Dark coloured surfaces such as a freshly ploughed field or rock will have a low albedo as it cannot reflect heat and will instead absorb it. It is also energy which goes straight back into space without having been converted into heat.

B)Explain why the amount of solar radiation absorbed by the earth's surface varies from place to place and from time to time.

The sun radiates solar energy which reaches the earth and is converted to heat. The location and time of this reaction, however, is variable due to the shape and tilt of the earth and the fact that it turns. This means that the energy reaches different places at different intensities at different times of day and different times of the year. This is dependent on many factors, not just those to do with the physical state of the earth.

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The shape, tilt and spin of the earth is the first factor which effects how much energy is absorbed by an area of earth. Due to the proximity of the earth to the sun  only one half of the earth will receive daylight at anyone time. This causes day and night and also the time difference across the world. When Australia is facing the sun the British Isles will be in darkness as the sun cannot reach round the earth. It will be daytime in Australia and night time in the UK. The side of the earth facing away ...

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Clear and well structured report, addressing each factor. Some integration of factors, eg. altitude and albedo. Some explanations, although clear and well written, could be enhanced with annotated diagrams.Appropriate use of a variety of geographical terminology - though albedo needs checking. A concluding sentence or short paragraph would be good to sum up the report for the reader.