Unit 1 Fundamentals of Environmental Sciences - Insolation of Earth

The term insolation is derived from the words "incoming solar radiation". Insolation is specifically applied to radiation which is arriving at earth’s atmosphere first and then earth surface. The heat is derived from solar energy, normally called solar radiation. Insolation' is the solar radiation that reaches the earth's surface It is measured by the amount of solar energy received per square cm per minute. Similarly, solar energy received by the earth is called insolation. It is the amount of incoming solar radiation that is received over a unit area of the earth’s surface. Solar energy received over the planet’s surface varies according to season, latitude, transparency of the atmosphere, and aspect or ground slope. The amount of insolation received on the earth’s surface is not uniform everywhere. It varies according to the place and time. When the tropical regions receive maximum annual insolation, it gradually decreases towards the poles. Insolation is more in summers and less in winters. The major factors which influence the amount of insolation received are:-- Solar constant The angle of incidence of the sun’s rays Duration of the day Earth Distance from Sun #evs4ntanet #environmentalscience #insolationofearth #ugcnetevs