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Interactive Lab 1

Earth-Sun Geometry

The seasons are caused by changes in the intensity of solar radiation striking the Earth's surface. This applet allows you to simulate these changes by altering latitude and date and examining how Sun angle and solar intensity respond. Use it to see how solar position varies seasonally from place to place, and how those variations translate into radiation at the surface. Compare one latitude with another, noting differences in the seasonal range of incoming radiation. Think about the likely effect on temperature at the two locations. Experiment with latitudes in both hemispheres, as well as locations near the Equator or poles. Compare these against your latitude, and speculate about temperature differences.
 
Mean temperature map
February mean temperatures

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