Wiki User
∙ 12y agoBecause that's where the solar rays hit the earth at a 90 degree angle. And the earths rotation on a tilt causes the Solstice and Equinox.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThe two periods of maximum solar radiation at the equator occur when the Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. During these times, the Sun's rays strike the equator most directly, resulting in maximum solar radiation.
Because over a long period of time, the sun appears to wiggle back and forth, north and south, between the Tropic of Cancer (23 degrees north latitude) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23 degrees south latitude), making a complete wiggle in one year. In the course of that process, it crosses the equator twice, and when it does, the equator experiences maximum solar radiation. Actually, when you think about it, EVERY spot on Earth that's anywhere between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn receives two peaks of solar radiation during a year.
Solar maximum can occur up to 42 degrees north of the equator as it did in 1859.
Short periods of climate change caused by changes in the amount of solar radiation an area receives are known as solar forcing. This can lead to variations in Earth's climate, such as ice ages or interglacial periods. Changes in solar radiation can impact temperature and weather patterns on a regional or global scale.
Equator has a lower angular deflection of sunlight and therefore warmer temperatures
In June, the outer edge of the atmosphere at the equator receives less solar radiation than the north pole and 40 degrees north latitude because the angle of incidence of the sun's rays is lower at the equator due to the Earth's axial tilt. This results in the solar radiation being spread over a larger area at the equator compared to the more concentrated radiation received at higher latitudes.
Because over a long period of time, the sun appears to wiggle back and forth, north and south, between the Tropic of Cancer (23 degrees north latitude) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23 degrees south latitude), making a complete wiggle in one year. In the course of that process, it crosses the equator twice, and when it does, the equator experiences maximum solar radiation. Actually, when you think about it, EVERY spot on Earth that's anywhere between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn receives two peaks of solar radiation during a year.
Solar maximum can occur up to 42 degrees north of the equator as it did in 1859.
The belt of maximum solar energy input to Earth is the Equator. This is because the Sun's rays hit the Earth more directly at the Equator, resulting in more intense solar radiation compared to other latitudes.
The equatorial regions near the equator receive the most solar radiation because the sun's rays are more direct at these latitudes, resulting in higher levels of solar energy. Zones around the equator experience consistent high levels of solar radiation throughout the year due to their proximity to the sun's path.
Short periods of climate change caused by changes in the amount of solar radiation an area receives are known as solar forcing. This can lead to variations in Earth's climate, such as ice ages or interglacial periods. Changes in solar radiation can impact temperature and weather patterns on a regional or global scale.
In January, the region near the equator typically has the highest amount of absorbed solar radiation due to the more direct angle of the sun's rays. This region receives more direct sunlight, leading to greater absorption of solar radiation compared to regions farther from the equator.
Visible light has the maximum intensity in the solar electromagnetic spectrum. The Sun emits a range of wavelengths, with visible light falling in the middle of this range. Our eyes are most sensitive to these wavelengths, which is why we perceive sunlight as bright.
Equator has a lower angular deflection of sunlight and therefore warmer temperatures
Regions away from the equator receive less solar radiation because the angle at which the sunlight strikes the Earth's surface is more oblique, spreading the energy over a larger area. This reduces the intensity of solar radiation received compared to the more direct and concentrated sunlight at the equator.
In June, the outer edge of the atmosphere at the equator receives less solar radiation than the north pole and 40 degrees north latitude because the angle of incidence of the sun's rays is lower at the equator due to the Earth's axial tilt. This results in the solar radiation being spread over a larger area at the equator compared to the more concentrated radiation received at higher latitudes.
Solar radiation has a greater impact on climate at the equator compared to polar regions. This is because the equator receives more direct sunlight throughout the year, leading to warmer temperatures. In contrast, at polar regions, sunlight is spread out over a larger area, resulting in cooler temperatures.
The tropics receive the most solar radiation due to their location near the equator, where sunlight is more direct and intense. The polar zones receive the least solar radiation because of their location near the poles, where sunlight is more spread out and less intense. Oceans and temperate zones fall somewhere in between, depending on their latitude and proximity to the equator.