qThe amount of energy absorbed and emitted by Earth
changes geographically and
seasonally.
qSeasonal variations: the angle of inclination is responsible for the seasonal variation in the amount of solar energy
distributed at the top of the
atmosphere.
qLatitudinal variations: the variations of solar energy in latitude is caused by changes in:
q (a) the angle the sun hits Earth’s surface
= solar zenith angle
q (b) the number of day light hours
q (c) albedo