Which of the following factors is/are responsible for the variations in insolation received at the surface of the Earth? 1. The angle of inclination of the sun’s rays 2. The transparency of the atmosphere 3. The configuration of land in terms of its aspect 4. The revolution of the Earth around the Sun has no influence on insolation variations Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Option The correct option is 1, 2 and 3 only. Explanation Insolation (Incoming Solar Radiation) is the solar energy received by the Earth. The amount of insolation reaching the Earth's surface is not uniform; it varies spatially and temporally due to astronomical and geographical factors that influence the intensity and duration of sunlight. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: The angle of inclination of the sun’s rays determines the intensity of insolation. Vertical rays (high angle) cover a smaller surface area, resulting in higher energy concentration. Oblique rays (low angle) spread over a larger area, reducing energy intensity. Additionally, oblique rays traverse a thicker layer of the atmosphere, leading to greater absorption and scattering. - Statement 2 is Correct: The transparency of the atmosphere affects the transmission of solar radiation. Factors such as cloud cover, water vapor, and dust particles reflect, absorb, or scatter incoming solar radiation. For example, thick cloud cover significantly reduces the amount of insolation reaching the ground. - Statement 3 is Correct: The configuration of land, specifically its aspect (the direction a slope faces), influences insolation. In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing slopes receive more direct sunlight and are warmer than north-facing slopes, which may remain in shadow or receive oblique rays. - Statement 4 is Incorrect: The revolution of the Earth around the Sun, combined with the tilt of the Earth's axis, is the primary cause of the seasons and the variation in the length of day and night. These variations directly influence the total amount of insolation received at different latitudes at different times of the year. Therefore, revolution does have a significant influence on insolation variations. Key Takeaway Key Takeaway: The primary factors affecting insolation at the Earth's surface include the rotation of the Earth, the angle of incidence of the sun’s rays, the duration of the day, the transparency of the atmosphere, and the configuration of the land (aspect). The Earth's revolution is a fundamental driver of seasonal insolation variations.

Which of the following factors is/are… - NCERT Class 11 Geography MCQ

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

mcqeasy

Which of the following factors is/are responsible for the variations in insolation received at the surface of the Earth?

The angle of inclination of the sun’s rays
The transparency of the atmosphere
The configuration of land in terms of its aspect
The revolution of the Earth around the Sun has no influence on insolation variations

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Fundamentals of Physical Geography · Page 1

Options

A2, 3 and 4 only
B1, 2 and 3 only
C1 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is 1, 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Insolation (Incoming Solar Radiation) is the solar energy received by the Earth. The amount of insolation reaching the Earth's surface is not uniform; it varies spatially and temporally due to astronomical and geographical factors that influence the intensity and duration of sunlight.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The angle of inclination of the sun’s rays determines the intensity of insolation. Vertical rays (high angle) cover a smaller surface area, resulting in higher energy concentration. Oblique rays (low angle) spread over a larger area, reducing energy intensity. Additionally, oblique rays traverse a thicker layer of the atmosphere, leading to greater absorption and scattering.
Statement 2 is Correct: The transparency of the atmosphere affects the transmission of solar radiation. Factors such as cloud cover, water vapor, and dust particles reflect, absorb, or scatter incoming solar radiation. For example, thick cloud cover significantly reduces the amount of insolation reaching the ground.
Statement 3 is Correct: The configuration of land, specifically its aspect (the direction a slope faces), influences insolation. In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing slopes receive more direct sunlight and are warmer than north-facing slopes, which may remain in shadow or receive oblique rays.
Statement 4 is Incorrect: The revolution of the Earth around the Sun, combined with the tilt of the Earth's axis, is the primary cause of the seasons and the variation in the length of day and night. These variations directly influence the total amount of insolation received at different latitudes at different times of the year. Therefore, revolution does have a significant influence on insolation variations.

Key Takeaway

Key Takeaway: The primary factors affecting insolation at the Earth's surface include the rotation of the Earth, the angle of incidence of the sun’s rays, the duration of the day, the transparency of the atmosphere, and the configuration of the land (aspect). The Earth's revolution is a fundamental driver of seasonal insolation variations.

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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Keep practising Chapter 2: Solar radiation, heat balance and temperature

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