Understanding Social Science

  Solar Radiation & Heat Budget of Earth Sun is the supreme source of heat and light on the surface of the Earth. Most of the energy received by earth’s surface known as insolation (incoming solar radiation) is in the form of short wavelengths. The atmosphere is largely transparent to short wave solar radiation. The insolation received is not same at all the places over the globe. Factors Causing Variability of Insolation :- ü Rotation of earth about its own axis. ü Angle of inclination of sun’s rays associated with latitude of a place. ü The length of the day. ü The transparency of the atmosphere. ü The configuration of land in terms of its aspect. ü Tilt of the Earth Spatial Distribution of Insolation:- The insolation received at the tropics is about 320 Watt/m 2 and 70 Watt/m 2 at the poles. Maximum insolation is received at the subtropical deserts due to less cloudiness (clouds absorb the radiations). Equator receives less insolation as compared to...