Question

The state of equilibrium that exists on Earth between insolation and terrestrial radiation is called ___________.

• A. insolation
• B. heat balance
• C. heat equilibrium
• D. none of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B heat balance

Earth receives solar radiation in the form of short-wave solar radiation and the radiation is sent back to space in the form of longwave terrestrial radiation. In the absence of such a balance the earth would be getting progressively colder or progressively warmer. This balance between the amount of insolation received from the sun and outing outgoing terrestrial radiation is known as earth's heat budget or heat balance.