Image:Oblique rays.svg
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[edit] Caption
Why the polar regions are colder: Effect of the Earth's shape and atmosphere on incoming solar radiation.
Compared to equatorial regions (b), incoming solar radiation of the polar regions (a) is less intense for two reasons:
- the solar radiation arrives at an oblique angle nearer the poles, so that the energy spreads over a larger surface area, lessening its intensity.
- The radiation travels a longer distance through the atmosphere, which absorbs, scatters and reflects the solar radiation.
Solar radiation in tropical areas (i.e. lower latitudes, nearer the equator) has vertical rays.
[edit] About
- Created in Inkscape (v0.45)
Based on diagrams in:
- Ecology: Theories and Applications, 4th Edition, Peter Stiling. Figure 14.2. page 231.
- Biology, third edition. Arms & Camp. Figure 49-1. page 973.
[edit] Licensing
Diagram credit: Peter Halasz. (User:Pengo)
For Creative Commons and GFDL licenses, give attribution to:
- Peter Halasz
- and/or, link to this image page:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Oblique_rays.svg
Although not a requirement of the licenses, if you use this image in print or media other than the web, I would appreciate it if you let me know. Please contact me if you require alternate licensing.
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