Describe the change in duration of insolation from the Equator to the North Pole
A) In the winter
b) In the summer
c) on the Equinox
To describe the change in duration of insolation from the Equator to the North Pole, we need to understand some key factors that affect the duration of insolation (sunlight) received at different latitudes throughout the year.
Insolation varies primarily due to the Earth's axial tilt and its orbit around the Sun. The Earth is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit. This tilt, combined with the Earth's revolution around the Sun, leads to variations in the duration of daylight received at different latitudes.
a) In the winter:
During winter in the Northern Hemisphere (from the Equator to the North Pole), the North Pole is tilted away from the Sun. This inclination results in the polar regions experiencing extended periods of darkness and limited daylight. The further you move from the Equator towards the North Pole, the shorter the duration of insolation during winter.
b) In the summer:
In the Northern Hemisphere's summer, the North Pole is tilted towards the Sun. This tilt allows the polar regions to receive nearly continuous daylight for periods known as the "Midnight Sun." As you move from the Equator towards the North Pole, the duration of insolation increases significantly during the summer months.
c) On the Equinox:
During the Equinox (both spring and autumn), the Earth's tilt is neither towards nor away from the Sun. Consequently, the duration of insolation at different latitudes (from the Equator to the North Pole) is relatively equal. On these days, the amount of daylight and darkness are nearly the same.
To determine the specific duration of insolation at different latitudes throughout the year, you can use various resources such as astronomy or meteorological websites, as well as dedicated applications or software that provide detailed information about sunrise and sunset times at specific locations. These tools can provide accurate data about daylight hours, helping you understand the variations in insolation duration from the Equator to the North Pole.