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?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation Insolation (Incoming Solar Radiation) is the solar energy received by the Earth's surface. The amount of insolation received at any specific point varies due to astronomical factors (Earth's orbit and rotation) and terrestrial factors (atmosphere and topography). Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: On January 3rd, the Earth is at Perihelion (closest to the Sun), and on July 4th, it is at Aphelion (farthest from the Sun). Consequently, the annual insolation received by the Earth on January 3rd is slightly more than the amount received on July 4th. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Although there is a variation in solar output due to the changing distance between the Earth and the Sun, it does not have a drastic effect on daily weather changes. This variation is largely masked by other dominant factors such as the distribution of land and sea and atmospheric circulation. - Statement 3 is Correct: The rotation of the Earth on its axis is a primary factor causing variations in insolation. Rotation creates the cycle of day and night, determining the duration of exposure to sunlight, which directly influences the amount of energy received at the surface. Key Takeaway: While the Earth's distance from the Sun (Perihelion vs. Aphelion) causes a fluctuation in total solar energy received, its impact on surface weather is minimal compared to factors like the angle of incidence of sun rays, the length of the day, and atmospheric transparency.

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

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With reference to the variability of insolation at the surface of the Earth, consider the following statements:

The Earth receives slightly more annual insolation on 3rd January than on 4th July.
The variation in solar output due to the Earth's distance from the Sun has a drastic effect on daily weather changes.
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?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3
B1 and 2 only
C2 only
D1 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Insolation (Incoming Solar Radiation) is the solar energy received by the Earth's surface. The amount of insolation received at any specific point varies due to astronomical factors (Earth's orbit and rotation) and terrestrial factors (atmosphere and topography).

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: On January 3rd, the Earth is at Perihelion (closest to the Sun), and on July 4th, it is at Aphelion (farthest from the Sun). Consequently, the annual insolation received by the Earth on January 3rd is slightly more than the amount received on July 4th.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Although there is a variation in solar output due to the changing distance between the Earth and the Sun, it does not have a drastic effect on daily weather changes. This variation is largely masked by other dominant factors such as the distribution of land and sea and atmospheric circulation.
Statement 3 is Correct: The rotation of the Earth on its axis is a primary factor causing variations in insolation. Rotation creates the cycle of day and night, determining the duration of exposure to sunlight, which directly influences the amount of energy received at the surface.

Key Takeaway:
While the Earth's distance from the Sun (Perihelion vs. Aphelion) causes a fluctuation in total solar energy received, its impact on surface weather is minimal compared to factors like the angle of incidence of sun rays, the length of the day, and atmospheric transparency.

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?

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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?

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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?

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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

Consider the following statements regarding the passage of solar radiation through the atmosphere: 1. The atmosphere is largely transparent to short wave solar radiation. 2. Water vapour and ozone in the troposphere are completely transparent to near infrared radiation. 3. The blue colour of the sky is a result of the absorption of light by water vapour. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: On January 3rd, the Earth is at Perihelion (closest to the Sun), and on July 4th, it is at Aphelion (farthest from the Sun). Consequently, the annual insolation received by the Earth on January 3rd is slightly more than the amount received on July 4th.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Although there is a variation in solar output due to the changing distance between the Earth and the Sun, it does not have a drastic effect on daily weather changes. This variation is largely masked by other dominant factors such as the distribution of land and sea and atmospheric circulation.
Statement 3 is Correct: The rotation of the Earth on its axis is a primary factor causing variations in insolation. Rotation creates the cycle of day and night, determining the duration of exposure to sunlight, which directly influences the amount of energy received at the surface.