Consider the following statements regarding the latitudinal variation in the net radiation balance: 1. There is a surplus of net radiation balance only between 10 degrees North and South. 2. The regions near the poles have a deficit in radiation balance. 3. Surplus heat from the tropics is redistributed polewards preventing permanent heating of the tropics. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation The net radiation balance is the difference between the incoming solar radiation (insolation) absorbed by the Earth and the outgoing terrestrial radiation emitted back into space. This balance varies significantly with latitude, creating distinct zones of energy surplus and deficit. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The region of surplus net radiation balance (where incoming solar radiation exceeds outgoing terrestrial radiation) is not limited to 10° North and South. The surplus zone extends approximately between 40° North and 40° South latitudes. - Statement 2 is Correct. In the higher latitudes (poleward of approximately 40°), the angle of incidence of the sun's rays is low, and the duration of daylight varies significantly. Consequently, the outgoing terrestrial radiation exceeds the incoming solar radiation, creating a net radiation deficit in the polar regions. - Statement 3 is Correct. The latitudinal imbalance between the surplus heat in the tropics and the deficit at the poles creates a thermal gradient. To prevent the tropics from becoming permanently hotter and the poles from becoming permanently colder, this surplus heat is redistributed polewards through atmospheric circulation (planetary winds) and ocean currents. Key Takeaway Key Takeaway: The Earth maintains a heat balance through the redistribution of energy from the surplus zones (between 40° N and 40° S) to the deficit zones (higher latitudes) via winds and ocean currents.

Consider the following statements regarding the latitudinal variation in the… - NCERT Class 11 Geography MCQ

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 2: Solar radiation, heat balance and temperature

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the latitudinal variation in the net radiation balance:

There is a surplus of net radiation balance only between 10 degrees North and South.
The regions near the poles have a deficit in radiation balance.
Surplus heat from the tropics is redistributed polewards preventing permanent heating of the tropics.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Page 4

Options

A2 and 3 only
B1 and 2 only
C2 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The net radiation balance is the difference between the incoming solar radiation (insolation) absorbed by the Earth and the outgoing terrestrial radiation emitted back into space. This balance varies significantly with latitude, creating distinct zones of energy surplus and deficit.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The region of surplus net radiation balance (where incoming solar radiation exceeds outgoing terrestrial radiation) is not limited to 10° North and South. The surplus zone extends approximately between 40° North and 40° South latitudes.
Statement 2 is Correct. In the higher latitudes (poleward of approximately 40°), the angle of incidence of the sun's rays is low, and the duration of daylight varies significantly. Consequently, the outgoing terrestrial radiation exceeds the incoming solar radiation, creating a net radiation deficit in the polar regions.
Statement 3 is Correct. The latitudinal imbalance between the surplus heat in the tropics and the deficit at the poles creates a thermal gradient. To prevent the tropics from becoming permanently hotter and the poles from becoming permanently colder, this surplus heat is redistributed polewards through atmospheric circulation (planetary winds) and ocean currents.

Key Takeaway

Key Takeaway: The Earth maintains a heat balance through the redistribution of energy from the surplus zones (between 40° N and 40° S) to the deficit zones (higher latitudes) via winds and ocean currents.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Solar radiation, heat balance and temperature

Consider the following statements regarding the insolation received at the Earth's surface: 1. Generally, at the same latitude, insolation is more over the continent than over the oceans. 2. In winter, the middle and higher latitudes receive more radiation than in summer. 3. The subtropical deserts receive more insolation than the equator. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following is a characteristic of the isotherms in the Southern Hemisphere?

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With reference to the specific heat of land and water, consider the following statements: 1. The variation in temperature over the sea is much greater compared to land. 2. Land heats up and cools down more quickly than the sea. 3. Places near the sea experience extreme temperature variations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following is defined as "the energy needed to raise the temperature of one gram of substance by one Celsius"?

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In the context of the heat budget, what percentage of incoming solar radiation is reflected back to space before reaching the earth's surface?

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