Case study Shared
Winter sunlight in Miami and London
Miami, Florida and London, England
Miami receives a higher midday Sun than London in December. Comparing their solar angles helps explain why the same season brings different amounts of solar energy.
Preparing map style and visible tiles…
Location: 25.76°, -80.19°
Near the December solstice, the noon Sun is about 40° above the horizon in Miami and about 15° in London. A steeper beam spreads its energy across a smaller horizontal area. Miami also has a longer winter day, extending the time during which sunlight is received.
Compare the cities in the solar-altitude model, then use the energy-budget model to introduce reflection and atmospheric effects. Solar angle helps explain the contrast, but measured surface energy also depends on cloud, haze and the properties of the ground.
Exam-style question
Using noon solar altitude, explain why Miami’s December energy receipt exceeds London’s even on a cloudless day.
Teacher hint: Compare the solar angle and length of daylight. A higher Sun spreads the incoming beam over less ground.
Sources
- NOAA / NREL typical meteorological year
- NASA Earth Observatory — insolation