Question

What is insolation? Explain the processes of heat transfer in the atmosphere?

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Define insolation
• Explain the processes of heat transfer in the atmosphere

Solution:
Insolation
Radiation is the process of heat transfer from a hot body to a colder body without heating the space between the two. The radiant heat energy received by the Earth from the Sun is called insolation.

Radiation
The sun radiates its energy in every direction into space in short wavelengths, which is referred to as solar radiation. The energy received by the earth’s surface in the form of short waves is termed Incoming Solar Radiation or Insolation.

Conduction
Air near the land surface is heated by conduction. Conduction is the transfer of heat from one body to another through contact.

Convection
Convection is the transfer of heat from one place to another by the movement of fluids-liquids or gases.
The heated air in the atmosphere expands and begins to rise, being lighter than the surrounding air.

Advection
The transport of a substance or of heat by the flow of a liquid: Transport of pollutants in a river by bulk water flow downstream is an example of advection. This movement can be viewed as the advection of fluid across a coordinate surface.