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 average kinetic movement of atoms and molecules of a substance. A seasonal marker that occurs when the subsolar point is over the equator about September 22. (or incoming solar radiation) Solar radiation that reaches Earth. A seasonal marker that occurs when the subsolar point is at 23.5° south, on about December 21. The 23.5° north parallel; the maximum latitude of the subsolar point in the Northern Hemisphere. The line separating night from day, where sunrise and sunset are occurring. Radiation with wavelengths longer than 4 μm. An urbanized region that is significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. The movement of heat from low to high latitudes and low to high altitudes as a result of heating differences. The process of returning a portion of the radiation striking a surface in the general direction from which it came. The flat plane traced by the orbital paths of the planets in the solar system. The altitude of the Sun above the horizon in degrees. (or radiation) Energy propagated in the form of electromagnetic waves, including visible light and heat. A seasonal marker that occurs when the subsolar point is 23.5° north latitude, about June 21. The reflectivity of a surface, given as the percentage of incoming radiation that it reflects. Energy that comes from sources that are not depleted when used, such as sunlight or wind. The temperature of an object resulting from the balance between incoming and outgoing energy. The unimpeded movement of electromagnetic energy through a medium such as air, water, or glass. A seasonal marker that occurs when the subsolar point is over the equator about March 20. 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. The process of redirecting solar radiation in random directions as it strikes physical matter. The internal energy transferred between materials or systems due to their temperature differences. The increase in seasonality with distance from the oceans. (or light) The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that people can see. The transfer of heat through movement of mass within a fluid (liquid or gas). The process by which energy is transferred through a substance or between objects in direct contact. The heat required to raise the temperature of any object or material by a given amount. The full range of wavelengths of radiant energy. Solar radiation with wavelengths shorter than 4 μm; includes visible sunlight. 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 perceived by people as a result of high atmospheric humidity coupled with high air temperatures. The process by which wave energy travels through the vacuum of space or through a physical medium such as air or water. The 66.5° south parallel. Electromagnetic radiation that has wavelengths longer than visible radiation. The 23.5° south parallel; the maximum latitude of the subsolar point in the Southern Hemisphere. The 66.5° north parallel. |