GEOG 442

Biogeography

Lab 1: Solar Flux by Latitude

This lab familiarizes you with the distribution of insolation on Planet Earth at various times of year. Insolation is the energy source for nearly all ecosystems on Earth, so variations in its intensity by latitude and time of year set basic limits on the primary productivity of ecosystems.

Your Data

You were assigned four months (or the equinoces and solstices) to plot on your data entry form. You need to trace out the lines for your months (dates) on this chart, and then interpolate for every latitude what the solar flux is.

Your Data Entry Form

Download your data entry form here.

On the X axis is latitude. On the Y axis is solar flux in calories per day per square centimeter. Place a dot at the intersection of each latitude and its corresponding (interpolated) solar flux. Then, connect the dots for each month (date) with a smooth line. You will be putting four curves on your graph, so be sure to label each one.

Autograph your charts and bring them to class on Tuesday, 2 October.

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Last revision: 10/01/07