### Terrain Surfaces Different substances on earth's surface absorb and conduct heat energy differently. Rocky, sandy, or paved surfaces often heat quickly and readily transfer that heat to the overlying air. ![[terrain surfaces.png]] ### Solar Zenith Angle The intensity of incoming solar energy varies with the angle at which the radiation passes through the atmosphere and meets the surface, or the solar zenith angle. It varies with latitude (stronger towards the equator), season (stronger during summer), and time of day. ![[AWH solar zenith angle.png]] ### Orientation Sloped terrain facing into the sun will concentrate solar energy in a smaller area, and experience stronger heating. This effect will also vary with latitude, season, and time of day. Additionally, higher terrain tends to be drier, while lower terrain may collect moisture and act as a reservoir for cooler air overnight. ![[GFH terrain slope vs heating.png]] ### Moisture Water has the highest **specific heat capacity** of any naturally occurring substance, meaning that it experiences the smallest increase in temperature for the heat energy applied to it. Bodies of water can distribute heat energy through convective currents, while solid surfaces cannot. Additionally, **latent heat** is absorbed during evaporation, so an otherwise good source of surface heating will be inhibited by moisture (ie rain, dew, wet snow, etc). ### Exposure Any atmospheric conditions limiting sun exposure, such as clouds, will inhibit surface heating. ![[cloud cover.jpeg]]