HFST 1: Die Aarde se energiebalans

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What causes the seasonal variations experienced across the globe?

The Earth's rotation on its axis

The Earth's tilt and revolution around the Sun (correct)

The Earth's magnetic field

The Earth's distance from the Sun

During which season does a hemisphere experience longer days and more insolation?

Autumn

Winter

Spring

Summer (correct)

At what latitude does an equilibrium between energy gained and lost exist?

37° (correct)

90°

45°

0°

What force arises from the uneven heating of the Earth, causing air to move from high to low-pressure areas?

Pressure Gradient Force Signup and view all the answers

Which force deflects winds to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere?

Coriolis Force Signup and view all the answers

What marks the points in the Earth's orbit where one hemisphere is maximally tilted towards or away from the Sun?

Solstices Signup and view all the answers

Which currents move heat from the tropics towards the poles?

Warm currents Signup and view all the answers

What system distributes heat across the planet, moderating temperature extremes and maintaining energy balance?

"Ocean Conveyor Belt" Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the solar energy that reaches the Earth's surface?

Insolation Signup and view all the answers

Why do regions within the tropics experience higher temperatures?

Higher angle of incoming solar rays Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the Sun's energy at the poles due to atmospheric thickness?

It gets scattered and reflected Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the higher temperatures experienced in tropical regions?

Angle of incoming solar rays Signup and view all the answers

What is responsible for dispersing the Sun's energy over a larger area at the poles?

Surface area coverage Signup and view all the answers

Why do reflective surfaces like ice and snow in polar regions lead to reduced heat absorption?

They increase albedo effect Signup and view all the answers

How is the heat from incoming solar radiation re-radiated into the atmosphere?

As long-wave infrared energy Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason for the uneven distribution of insolation across the planet?

Varying angles of sunlight Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the process where solar radiation is absorbed and then re-radiated back into space?

Radiation balance Signup and view all the answers

How does the albedo effect contribute to temperature variations on Earth?

By reflecting more sunlight in tropical regions Signup and view all the answers