Solar Energy and Atmospheric Dynamics

Mr. Jansen explains concepts from the Earth Science Regents exam, covering topics like energy absorption and reflection, the apparent diameter of celestial objects, vertical rays in the tropics, seasonal charts, the Coriolis effect, and energy transfer. He uses examples and potential exam questions to illustrate these concepts, emphasizing the importance of understanding how these phenomena work and their implications for weather patterns and climate.

Which type of surface is most likely to reflect the most solar radiation?

• Dark and rough

• White and smooth

• White and rough

• Dark and smooth

Why does the Moon appear larger at certain times?

• It changes size

• It is a different moon

• It is closer to Earth

• It is further from Earth

Where can the Sun be directly overhead?

• Only at the equator

• Anywhere on Earth

• At the poles

• Between the Tropics

How many times do the Sun's perpendicular rays cross the equator in a year?

• Four times

• Three times

• Twice

• Once

What causes the Coriolis effect?

• Earth's orbit around the Sun

• Earth's magnetic field

• Earth's rotation

• Earth's gravity

In which direction do winds move around a high-pressure system in the Northern Hemisphere?

• Clockwise and inward

• Clockwise and outward

• Counterclockwise and inward

• Counterclockwise and outward

What happens to energy in terms of source and sink?

• Energy moves randomly

• Energy moves from low to high

• Energy moves from high to low

• Energy remains constant

What is true about good absorbers of radiation?

• They are good radiators

• They are poor radiators

• They do not radiate

• They reflect radiation

Why is July typically hotter than June in the Northern Hemisphere?

• The Earth is closer to the Sun

• The Earth releases more energy than it absorbs

• The Earth is still absorbing more energy than it releases

• The Earth is further from the Sun

What is the primary reason New York State is warmer in July than in February?

• Higher altitude in July

• More daylight hours in February

• Greater insulation in July

• Closer proximity to the Sun