Cloudy with a Chance of Summer Vacation

It represents 0w/m2.

b. Where is this color located in the image?

North of Canada…

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

It represents 425W/M2.

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

The reason: The earth is tilted towards the sun at the southern side and the ice reflects light.

e. What do you think the image would look like in July? And why?

It would be the opposite of January, having more sunlight because the earth would be tilted in the opposite direction.

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

It is what I expected. It is hotter in the north.

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

Land is lighter. It reflects more heat. It is generally hotter than the oceans.

h. Explain why the poles seem always to show the extremes of reflectance..

They are exposed to 24 hours of light or 24 hours of darkness, and they are reflective because of the white surface.

i. Earth’s energy balance is the difference between energy coming in (from the sun) and that leaving (through radiation to space). How does reflectance impact the energy balance?

It maintains an energy balance and keeps the earth at a stable temperature so the earth does not continually gain heat and roast us all like Cornish game hens. j. How do reflectance and the energy balance impact the temperature of the planet?

It keeps the earth at a relatively stable temperatures with relatively predictable and stable energy patterns. Again, it prevents us from overheating like a Thanksgiving turkey or freezing like a pint of Ben and Jerry’s Chunky Monkey..