CHAPTER 2 Key Terms
Match each of the terms on the left with its definition on the right. Click on the term first and then click on the matching definition. As you match them correctly, they will move to the bottom of the activity.
albedo Antarctic Circle Arctic Circle circle of illumination conduction continental effect convection December solstice electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) global heat engine greenhouse effect heat heat- infrared radiation (IR) insolation June solstice longwave radiation (LWR) March equinox plane of the ecliptic radiant energy radiation radiative equilibrium temperature reflection renewable energy scattering September equinox shortwave radiation (SWR) solar altitude specific heat subsolar point temperature transmission Tropic of Cancer Tropic of Capricorn urban heat island visible radiation (light) | The process by which energy is transferred through a substance or between objects in direct contact. The reflectivity of a surface, given as the percentage of incoming radiation that it reflects. Electromagnetic radiation that has wavelengths longer than visible radiation. The average kinetic movement of atoms and molecules of a substance. The temperature perceived by people as a result of high atmospheric humidity coupled with high air temperatures. The line separating night from day, where sunrise and sunset are occurring. Radiation with wavelengths longer than 4 μm. The 66.5° north parallel. The 66.5° south parallel. An urbanized region that is significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. The process by which wave energy travels through the vacuum of space or through a physical medium such as air or water. The heat required to raise the temperature of any object or material by a given amount. Solar radiation with wavelengths shorter than 4 μm; includes visible sunlight. The unimpeded movement of electromagnetic energy through a medium such as air, water, or glass. The movement of heat from low to high latitudes and low to high altitudes as a result of heating differences. A seasonal marker that occurs when the subsolar point is over the equator about March 20. (or radiation) Energy propagated in the form of electromagnetic waves, including visible light and heat. The altitude of the Sun above the horizon in degrees. The 23.5° south parallel; the maximum latitude of the subsolar point in the Southern Hemisphere. The 23.5° north parallel; the maximum latitude of the subsolar point in the Northern Hemisphere. The flat plane traced by the orbital paths of the planets in the solar system. The internal energy transferred between materials or systems due to their temperature differences. Energy that comes from sources that are not depleted when used, such as sunlight or wind. The process of returning a portion of the radiation striking a surface in the general direction from which it came. (or incoming solar radiation) Solar radiation that reaches Earth. The full range of wavelengths of radiant energy. The process of redirecting solar radiation in random directions as it strikes physical matter. A seasonal marker that occurs when the subsolar point is 23.5° north latitude, about June 21. The increase in seasonality with distance from the oceans. (or light) The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that people can see. The process by which the atmosphere is warmed as greenhouse gases (such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane) and clouds absorb and counterradiate heat. A seasonal marker that occurs when the subsolar point is over the equator about September 22. A seasonal marker that occurs when the subsolar point is at 23.5° south, on about December 21. The single point at which the Sun’s rays are perpendicular to Earth’s surface at or near noon; restricted to between 23.5° north and south latitude. The temperature of an object resulting from the balance between incoming and outgoing energy. The transfer of heat through movement of mass within a fluid (liquid or gas). |