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

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Which one of the following regions receives the maximum insolation on the Earth's surface?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe Equatorial region
BThe Mid-latitude oceans
CThe Polar regions during summer
DThe Subtropical deserts

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Solution

The correct option is The Subtropical deserts.

Explanation

Insolation (Incoming Solar Radiation) is the amount of solar energy received on the Earth's surface. While the angle of the sun's rays and the length of the day determine the potential insolation, the actual amount reaching the surface is significantly influenced by the transparency of the atmosphere, particularly cloud cover.

Analysis of Insolation Distribution

The Equatorial Region: Although the equator receives direct rays from the sun, it is also the zone of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). This region experiences high humidity, extensive cloud cover, and frequent convectional rainfall. Clouds reflect and absorb a substantial portion of incoming solar radiation, preventing it from reaching the surface.
The Subtropical Deserts: Located between 20° and 30° latitudes (both North and South), these regions are associated with the descending limb of the Hadley Cell (subtropical high-pressure belts). The subsiding air inhibits cloud formation, resulting in clear skies. Consequently, the transparency of the atmosphere is highest here, allowing maximum insolation to reach the ground.
Mid-latitude and Polar Regions: These regions receive significantly less insolation due to the oblique angle of the sun's rays, which spreads energy over a larger area and forces the rays to pass through a thicker layer of the atmosphere.

Key Takeaway: The maximum insolation on Earth is not received at the Equator due to heavy cloud cover; instead, it is received at the subtropical deserts due to clear skies and low atmospheric obstruction.

Your note

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

Which of the following best explains why the annual insolation received on 3rd January is slightly more than on 4th July?

easy

Consider the following data regarding the Heat Budget of the Earth: 1. 35 units are reflected back from the top of the clouds. 2. 14 units are absorbed within the atmosphere. 3. 51 units are absorbed by the earth’s surface. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

hard

With reference to the heating of the atmosphere, consider the following statements: 1. Conduction is the process where heat is transferred through horizontal movement of air. 2. Convection is the process of vertical heating of the atmosphere. 3. Advection has no role in the diurnal variation of daily weather in middle latitudes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the variability of insolation at the surface of the Earth, consider the following statements: 1. The Earth receives slightly more annual insolation on 3rd January than on 4th July. 2. The variation in solar output due to the Earth's distance from the Sun has a drastic effect on daily weather changes. 3. The rotation of the Earth on its axis is one of the factors causing variations in insolation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

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:

easy

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The correct option is The Subtropical deserts.

Explanation

Analysis of Insolation Distribution

The Equatorial Region: Although the equator receives direct rays from the sun, it is also the zone of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). This region experiences high humidity, extensive cloud cover, and frequent convectional rainfall. Clouds reflect and absorb a substantial portion of incoming solar radiation, preventing it from reaching the surface.
The Subtropical Deserts: Located between 20° and 30° latitudes (both North and South), these regions are associated with the descending limb of the Hadley Cell (subtropical high-pressure belts). The subsiding air inhibits cloud formation, resulting in clear skies. Consequently, the transparency of the atmosphere is highest here, allowing maximum insolation to reach the ground.
Mid-latitude and Polar Regions: These regions receive significantly less insolation due to the oblique angle of the sun's rays, which spreads energy over a larger area and forces the rays to pass through a thicker layer of the atmosphere.