vDetermines length of day and angle of incoming sunlight and, thus, amount of solar radiation received
vIn equatorial regions, day length & solar angle change little with season. Little
seasonal variability, mostly diurnal changes.
vIn polar regions, the sun does not rise at all in winter. In the summer it never sets, although remaining low in
sky. Big seasonal changes, small diurnal changes.
vIn mid-latitudes, seasonal and diurnal changes.
v
vAlso determines site’s exposure to latitudinal belts of high and low pressure
vHigh pressure - subsidence
vLow pressure - convection