Chapter 2: Problem 9

Which aspect, south-facing or north-facing slopes, would receive the most solar radiation in the mountain ranges of the Southern Hemisphere?

Short Answer

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Answer: North-facing slopes receive more solar radiation in the mountain ranges of the Southern Hemisphere.

Step by step solution

Understand the Sun's Position in the Southern Hemisphere

In the Southern Hemisphere, the sun appears to move across the northern part of the sky. This means that it will be higher over the north side of mountains, directly illuminating north-facing slopes throughout the day.

Analyze Sun's Path and Angle

The Earth tilts at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun. During the Southern Hemisphere's summer months (December to February), the sun appears almost directly overhead at noon, while during the winter months (June to August) it stays lower in the sky. Importantly, the sun is always in the northern part of the sky, meaning that the angle at which the sunlight strikes the south-facing slopes is more oblique than on the north-facing slopes.

Calculate Solar Radiation Received Based on Slope Direction

South-facing slopes are inclined away from the sun, so their surface area exposed to sunlight is smaller. Since they receive sunlight at a correspondingly oblique angle, the solar radiation is spread over a larger area, thereby reducing its intensity. In contrast, north-facing slopes receive more direct sunlight, meaning a smaller surface area receives the solar radiation, resulting in a higher intensity of solar radiation on the north-facing slope.

Consider Climatic Factors

Climatic factors may also affect the amount of sunlight received by slopes in different directions. For example, in some regions, south-facing slopes may be exposed to more cloud cover, which would reduce the amount of sunlight reaching their surface. However, for the purposes of this exercise, we are focusing solely on the effects of the sun's angle and position in the sky.

Conclusion

Based on the sun's position in the sky and how its angle affects the amount of solar radiation received by south-facing and north-facing slopes, it is clear that north-facing slopes receive more solar radiation in the mountain ranges of the Southern Hemisphere.

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Which aspect, south-facing or north-facing slopes, would receive the most solar radiation in the mountain ranges of the Southern Hemisphere?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the Sun's Position in the Southern Hemisphere

Analyze Sun's Path and Angle

Calculate Solar Radiation Received Based on Slope Direction

Consider Climatic Factors

Conclusion

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