ELEMENTS OF CLIMATE Solar radiation. Air temperature. Air pressure and winds. Atmospheric humidity. Condensation and precipitation.

SOLAR RADIATION. Electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. As radiation penetrates , intensity decreases by absorption, reflection and scattering. Ultra violet rays are absorbed by the ozone, infrared rays by water vapour, and carbon dioxide, reflected and scattered by water droplets, dust and clouds. Remainder reaches earth surface indirectly and in diffused form. The intensity depends on the thickness of the atmosphere it has to pass through. : Sky clearance, purity of air/carbon dioxide/ water. : Altitude, geographical location. : The greatest amount of radiation is found in two broad bands encircling the earth, between 15 and 35 degreees lat, North and South