qThe amount of energy absorbed and emitted by Earth 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)
albedo
q (c) the
number of day light hours