Insolation


Revolution of earth and its tilted axis is responsible for seasons. Seasons change due to the change in the position of the earth around the sun. 
 
 
  • Insolation Incoming Solar Radiation or the amount of solar radiation received at the Earth’s surface. The amount of insolation received on the earth’s surface is not uniform everywhere. It varies according to the place and time. When the tropical regions receive maximum annual insolation, it gradually decreases towards the poles. Insolation is more in summers and less in winters.
The major factors which influence the amount of insolation received are:
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  • Rotation of the earth on its axis
  • The angle of incidence of the sun’s rays
  • Duration of the day
  • Transparency of the atmosphere
  • The transparency of the atmosphere depends upon the cloud cover and its thickness, dust particles, water vapor, etc. They reflect, absorb or transmit insolation. Thick cloud hinders the solar radiation to reach the earth’s surface. Similarly, water vapor absorbs solar radiation resulting in less amount of insolation reaching the surface.

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