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3 The amount of radiation received at the Earth's surface depends on season and latitude. When the Sun is overhead the Equator, the Sun's rays are concentrated over a small area, while at the high latitudes, it is spread out over a much wider area, with much less radiation and heat being received. From Smith and Smith (2015) Elements of Ecology. (9th Edition). Pearson, Boston
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The climatic forces that determine Angola’s biodiversity and ecosystem patterns (and all life forms on Earth) are based on the energy that comes from the Sun. This chapter examines the concepts and functioning of solar radiation and photosynthesis, the basis of primary production. Strong seasonality of temperature and rainfall and their variation a...
Context in source publication
Context 1
... are not great, but at high latitudes, the acute angle at which the Sun's rays reach the Earth's surface, after passing through a broad band of atmosphere, explains the decrease in solar radiation (and hence temperatures) experienced at the poles, and why the poles are covered in ice, while the equatorial regions are mostly covered by forest (Fig. 5.3). When the Sun is overhead the Equator, the Sun's rays are concentrated over a small area, while at the high latitudes, it is spread out over a much wider area, with much less radiation and heat being received. From Smith and Smith (2015) Elements of Ecology. (9th Edition). Pearson, ...
Citations
The atmosphere has a significant impact on the physical environment and the people. The atmospheric processes go hand in hand with surface processes and affect the climate and contribute to the changing climate. The adversely altering environment is not the only issue that comes with climate change, but the impact it has on human and other biological populations is also worrisome and needs to be addressed. Geospatial technologies, which combine remote sensing and geographic information systems, provide flexible cross-scale tools for examining climate change, the long-term evolution of the climate system, and its effects on social and ecological systems. In order to better understand how the Earth, ocean, biosphere, cryosphere, and atmosphere have changed over time, scientists have used long-term satellite data sets. The chapter discusses the various atmospheric processes, their implications, their inter-relationship with land processes, and the application of geospatial methods, in particular remote sensing, for the observation and monitoring of the atmosphere.
