REFLECTED SHORTWAVE RADIATION

a.    Using the legend, determine the value (number and unit) for the darkest blue/dark-blue/almost-black color.

The darkest place represents 0 watts per square meter.

b.    Where is this color located in the image?

This color is located at the northern region of the globe which is called the arctic region. This is north of the Arctic Circle and is also known as the North Pole.

c.    Determine the value for the lightest yellow color.        Where is this located in the image?

The lightest yellow color represents 425 watts per square meter. It is located at the southern part of the globe known as the South Pole.

d.   Can you think of a possible reason for this situation in January?

Yes. I can because of the tilt of the earth sun shines on the southern hemisphere  all day long. It is 0 reflected shortwave radiation … No sunlight In January in the North Polar Region therefore nothing reflects.  In the southern hemisphere there is a lot of sunlight 24 hours a day. Therefore it is more reflective. e.   What do you think the image would look like in July?        Why?

I think that it would be the exact opposite because the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun. Showing that there is no short wave radiation which can reach it.

f.        Click on the image for July to check your answer and describe what you found below:

It is not opposite because there is only one part that is white, white and that is Greenland. But I was close.

g.    In general, does water or land appear to have the higher reflectance?

The land has a higher reflectance because on land the map shows a higher reflectance. There is also a lot of sand and dirt on land. Also the water is too dark to have a high reflectance.