Question

factors affecting amount of insulation recieved on the earth's surface

Answer 1

The actual amount of insolation received at a place on the earth varies according to the conditions of the atmosphere as well as the seasons. The following astronomical and geographical factors govern the amount of insolation received at any point on the earth's surface:

(1) Angle of incidence (2) Duration of sunshine

(3) Solar constant (4) Distance between the earth and the sun

(5) Transparency of the atmosphere.

Answer 2

Angle of incidence: The altitude of the sun, i.e. the angle between its rays and a tangent to the earth's surface at the point of observation, controls the amount of insolation received at the earth's surface As the elevation angle decreases, the area over which the radiation is distributed increases.