Why does the equator receive less insolation?

Why does the equator receive less insolation?

Equator receives comparatively less insolation than the tropics due to presence of clouds. Generally, at the same latitude the insolation is more over the continent than over the oceans because more clouds over the oceans reflect sun rays back into space.

Which location receives the most insolation on June 21st and why?

the Tropic of Cancer
On June the 21st, the Earth has continued its journey so that the maximum overhead sun is over the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N), and the Northern Hemisphere experiences its maximum amount of insolation received and summer.

During which time is insolation the lowest?

Minimum values of insolation are received during the December solstice when day length and angle of incidence are at their minimum (see Table 6h-2 and section 6h). During the December solstice day length is only 5 hours and 33 minutes and the angle of the Sun reaches a lowest value of 6.5 degrees above the horizon.

Which location would have the greatest angle of insolation on June 21?

June 21st=highest angle of insolation=highest solar intensity=longest path of sun=sun directly overhead at 23.5 North of equator. December 21st=lowest angle of insolation=lowest solar intensity=shortest path of sun=sun directly overhead at 23.5 South of equator. Warmest Time of Year for the Northern Hemisphere…..

Why does the Equator receive less radiation as compared to the tropics?

Different parts of Earth’s surface receive different amounts of sunlight. The sun’s rays strike Earth’s surface most directly at the equator. Because of the Earth’s tilt the sun’s rays strike the surface at a slant at the poles; they are less focused.

Why does the equator receive more solar radiation than the polar regions?

Places that get more solar energy have more heat. Places that get less solar energy have less heat. The air above the areas receiving more heat warms up and rises. Because of this, the air, ocean, and Earth’s surface gets heated at the equator more than at the poles.

What time of year does the equator receive the least amount of insolation?

At the Equator, daily insolation varies from about 380 W/m2 to about 430 W/m2 and there are two maximums—each near the time of an equinox, when the Sun is directly overhead at noon. At the solstice, insolation is lower because the Sun’s path is lower in the sky (Figure 2.9).

Why is insolation higher in December than June?

The images are measurements of the Earth’s albedo—the amount of solar radiation reflected from Earth back into space. The Southern Hemisphere reflects a tremendous amount of radiation during the December solstice (top image), while the Northern Hemisphere reflects more radiation in June.

How would a lower angle of insolation affect the maximum temperature of a surface?

Angle of Solar Radiation and Temperature Therefore, the solar radiation is concentrated over a smaller surface area, causing warmer temperatures. At higher latitudes, the angle of solar radiation is smaller, causing energy to be spread over a larger area of the surface and cooler temperatures.

Which factor does not affect the amount of solar radiation received at the surface of the earth?

The factor which does not affect the amount of insolation received is longtitude. Explanation: As a general rule, The intensity of insolation increases, as the angle of insolation gets closer to 90 degrees. The intensity of insolation decreases with an increase in latitude.

When is the maximum insolation at the equator in June?

Around June 21st of each year, the Earth is in a position in its orbit where its axis is inclined directly toward the sun and is called the summer solstice (Latin: sol, sun; sistere, to stand) in the norther hemisphere. It is at this time that the maximum insolation is at the Tropic of Cancer.

When does the Earth receive the most insolation?

At any given location, the Earth will receive the maximum radiation (i.e. insolation) when the sun’s rays are perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to the Earth, i.e. directly overhead. The intensity of insolation received at any given latitude can be found using Lambert’s Law.

Why does the Earth tilt at the equator in June?

The seasons are caused by the 23° 26′ tilt of Earth’s equator to the plane of the ecliptic. Around June 21st of each year, the Earth is in a position in its orbit where its axis is inclined directly toward the sun and is called the summer solstice (Latin: sol, sun; sistere, to stand) in the norther hemisphere.

When does insolation occur at the Tropic of cancer?

It is at this time that the maximum insolation is at the Tropic of Cancer. Around September 22, the Earth will reach a position known as an equinox (Latin: aequus, equal; nox, night) where day and night will be of equal length everywhere on Earth.