Question

Define Insolation and explain the factors affecting the temperature of different places.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Definition of insolation
• Factors affecting the temperature

Solution:

• The solar radiation received on the surface of the earth is called insolation.
• Factors affecting the temperature:

1. Latitudinal location: places closer to the equator are warmer and temperature decreases as we go towards poles.
2. Maritime and continental location: Sea has a moderating effect on coastal areas, hence a place has moderate temperatures as closer it is to the sea and temperatures become extremely hot and extreme cold as we go away from the sea.
3. Altitude: Earth’s surface heats the atmosphere. Hence, temperature decreases as we go away from earth’s surface, or as altitude increases.
4. Seasons: summers will have warmer days due to perpendicular sun rays and more insolation due to longer days. Whereas, winters will have colder days due to oblique sun rays and less insolation due to longer nights.